TIIK ORANG-OUTAN. 



apes know well enough the meaning of that ciy, and signify then- comprehension 

 by answering cries. If the danger continues to threaten, then the ape-conversation 

 becomes loud, shrill, and hoarse, and the air is filled with the various notes of the 

 simian language, perfectly understood by themselves, although to human ears it 

 consists of nothing but discordant yells and barks. 



Several species of the Chimpansee have been taken while young and brought to 

 Europe. 



In the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris, there was a remarkably fine specimen of 

 the Chimpansee. Black, sleek, and glossy, he \\as faci/e jjr{?iccjjs in the establish- 

 ment, and none dared to dispute his authority. He was active enough, and 

 displayed very great strength, and some agility, as he swung himself from side to 

 side of the cage, by means of the ropes that are suspended from the roof; but he 

 preserved a dignified air as became the sole ruler. 



There was a kind of aristocratic calmness about the animal, and he M-ould, at 

 intervals, pause in his any promenade, and seating himself on a convenient spot, 

 deliberately scan the large assembly that generally suri'ounded the monkey house 

 His survey completed, he would eat a nut or a piece of biscuit, and recommence 

 his leisurely gambols. His health seemed to be perfectly good, as was shown by 

 the alertness of his movements, and the full, open look of his eyes. 



•A sad contrast to this animal was presented by a wretched little Chimpansee 

 which I saw in England. He was still possessed of sufHcient strength to move 

 about his cage, but executed all his movements in a slow, listless manner, that 

 would have told its own tale, had not the frequent hacking cough s})oken so 

 plainly of the malady that was consuming his vitals. The countenance of the poor 

 creature was very sad, and he did not appear to take the least interest in anything 

 that occurred. 



ORANG-OUTAN —Simia Sdtyrus. 



Although these Apes present some distant resemblance to the outline of the 

 human form, all likeness vanishes when they attempt to stand erect and walk. 

 None of them are able to walk without the assistance of the hands, and the reader 

 will doubtlessly have remarked that each creature is represented with the knuckles 

 of one hand resting on the trce-tnmk on Avhich they are supported. This peculiar 

 action has been thus noted, because, when these creatures aid their steps by 

 placing the hands on the ground, they have the cmious habit of resting the 



