ANECDOTES OF GORILLAS. 175 



these skins, the length of a full-grown gorilla 

 must have exceeded, in some instances at least, 

 six feet, and their strength must have been 

 enormous. Doubts have been expressed as to 

 the accuracy of M. Du Chaillu's statements ; 

 but as I am acquainted with him, and have had 

 some conversations with him on the subject, I 

 can have little doubt as to his truthfulness. 

 The honest and open expression of his counte- 

 nance is also much in his favour. The following 

 account of his meeting with one of these animals 

 will interest you. He says : 



" While I was in the wood looking out for a 

 gorilla, I heard a noise as of some one breaking 

 down branches or twigs of trees. This was the 

 gorilla, as I knew by the eager looks of the men 

 who were with me. I examined my gun to see 

 that all was rig nt, and then we marched on 

 cautiously. Suddenly, as we were creeping 

 along, the woods were at once filled with the 

 tremendous barking roar of the gorilla; the 

 underbush swayed rapidly just ahead of us, and 

 presently before us stood an immense male of 

 this species. He had gone through the jungle 

 on his all-fours ; but when he saw us he erected 

 himself, and looked us boldly in the face. He 



