HUNTING CHIMPANZEES. 89 



were nearly all the so-called wine-palm, from which the 

 natives get their favorite drink, by tapping, much as we 

 tap sugar-maples. This liquor when drawn off at once 

 is sweet and mild, and not at all disagreeable to a Euro- 

 pean palate ; but after an hour or two of fermentation 

 it becomes absolutely repulsive to all but a negro's taste. 

 From the fruit of this tree a similar, though less valued, 

 drink is obtained, that is very prompt in its effect on 

 the wits of the drinker. This is called the chimpanzee's 

 tree, and it is well named, for the chimpanzee often 

 disputes with man for its possession, and it is in its 

 branches that he builds his clever home. The natives 

 even go so far as to accuse him of helping himself to the 

 contents of their calabashes, hung to catch the " fire- 

 water." 



In fact, their stories in relation to this animal, although 

 less savage in their nature than those concerning the 

 gorilla, are no less curious and full of superstition. The 

 native mothers bring up their children on stories like 

 this : — • - 



" One day a chimpanzee met the king's officer. ' Good 

 morning, dealer in slaves,' said he ; ' where are you going, 

 and by what right do you pass through my forest ? ' 'I 

 am going to your majesty's brother, the Sultan Haoussa, 

 who is to sell me two hundred slaves ; if your majesty 

 will permit me to pass, I will give you, on my return, six 

 pairs of slaves.' ' All men are liars and cheats,' said the 

 chimpanzee ; ' therefore leave with me your son as hostage.' 



