THE BABOON. 71 
nostrils, and induced it, after a brief mental struggle, to pick just a little bit from the 
fowl, and to put the bird back again. This was done accordingly, but the experiment was 
so very successful that it was speedily repeated. Again and again was a morsel pinched 
from the fowl, until the natural consummation followed—the fowl was picked quite clean, 
and nothing left but the bones. 
Now came remorse and sudden fear, causing the wretched animal to chatter with terror 
at the thought of the scarifying which was sure to follow so grievous an offence. 
What was the poor thing to do? Time was passing, and the master must soon return 
for his dinner. At last a brilliant 
thought flashed through the animal's 
brain, and it immediately acted upon 
the idea. 
Now, in order to understand the 
depth of the craft which was em- 
ployed, it must be remembered that 
the baboons are furnished, in common 
with very many monkeys, with two 
callosities on the hinder quarters, 
which serve them tor seats, and 
which are, in these animals, of a 
light red colour. 
Rolling itself over and over in 
the dust, it covered its body with an 
uniformly sombre coating, and then, 
gathering itself well together, and 
putting its head and knees on the 
ground, it presented an appearance 
marvellously resembling a rough 
block of stone with two pieces of 
raw meat laid on its top. In those 
climates the birds of prey absolutely 
swarm, and, being encouraged by 
their well-earned impunity, crowd 
round every place where cooking is 
going on, and where they may have 
a chance of securing a portion,either 
by lawful gift, or lawless rapine. 
Several of these birds, among which 
were some kites, being attracted by 
the scent of the boiling meat, came 
to the spot, and seeing, as they 
thought, some nice raw meat tempt- 
ingly laid out for them, swept upon 
their fancied prize. THE BABOON.—Cynocéphalus Babouin. 
In a moment the baboon had 
sprung to its feet, and, with a rapid clutch, seized one of the kites. The lid was again 
taken off the pot, and the shrieking and struggling prisoner thrust into the boiling water 
in spite of its beak and claws. The lid was then replaced, and the baboon resumed its 
post of sentry with the placid ease that belongs to a conscience void of offence. 
The baboons, when in their native fastnesses, are under a very complete system of 
discipline, and enforce its code upon each other most strictly. Considering the daring 
inroads which these creatures constantly make upon their neighbours’ property, and the 
daily dangers to which all gregarious animals are necessarily subject, the most wary 
vigilance and the most implicit obedience are necessary for the safety of the whole 
community. 
The acknowledged chiefs of the association are easily recognised by the heavy mass 
