58 QUADRUMANA. 



• 



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 temptingly laid out for them, swept upon 

 their fancied prize. 



In a moment the baboon had sprung to its feet, and, with a rapid 

 jlutch, seized one of the kites. The cover 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 position of attention as if it had committed no 

 offence. 



THE CHACMA. 



The Chacma, Cynoccphalus porcarius, sometimes called the Ursine 

 Baboon, but more commonly the Chacma, is a native of South Africa. 

 It is considerably bigger than the common baboon, and is more power- 

 tully built, while its color is darker. It is most frequently met with on 

 Table Mountain, in the neighborhood of Capetown, and on the Draaken- 

 berg range. Troops of from twenty to thirty individuals frequent the 

 ravines and often enter cultivated grounds, where they commit the 

 greatest ravages. 



It is an accomplished robber, and baffles alike dogs and men. When 

 young it is docile, and it can be taught to find roots or water, to blow 

 the fire of a forge, or drive a pair of oxen. It possesses so acute a power 

 of smell that it is almost impossible to destroy it by poison. 



When the water begins to run short, and the known fountains have 

 failed, as is too often the sad hap of these desert wells, fortunate is the 

 man who owns a tame Chacma, or " Bavian," as it is called. The animal 

 is first deprived of water for a whole day, until it is furious with thirst, 

 which is increased by giving it salt provisions, or putting salt into its 

 mouth. This apparent cruelty is, however, an act of true mercy, as on 

 the Chacma may depend the existence of itself and the whole party. 



A long rope is now tied to the baboon's collar, and it is suffered to 

 run about wherever it chooses, the rope being merely used as a means to 

 prevent the animal from getting out of sight. The baboon now assumes 

 the leadership of the band, and becomes the most important personage 

 of the party. 



First it runs forward a little, then stops ; get on its hind feet, and 



