ORANG-UTAN. 367 



degree of intelligence to the animal's coun- 

 tenance, although the face had not so much of 

 the human character as is seen in the Simia 

 syndactyla, or Ungka ape ; butj concealing the 

 lower portion of the countenance, the upper part 

 and eyes beam with an intelligent expression. 

 I observe it can thrust forward the lips in imita- 

 tion of the action of kissing, but cannot give the 

 impulse to them : neither does it lap liquid 

 when in the act of drinking. When running 

 about it often exercises its destructive propensity 

 by destroying trees in the gardens of the houses 

 in the vicinity ; and some of the owners not 

 evincing much partiality to the monkey tribe, 

 threatened to shoot the aggressor ; so, to save 

 the life of the animal, a large bamboo cage was 

 constructed, in which he was confined, but, 

 born to freedom, he screamed with rage on being 

 placed in it, and, exerting his muscular power, 

 soon demolished the cage, and was then as quiet 

 as before, being perfectly docile when at liberty, 

 but savage under restraint. 



He sometimes made himself a nest in a large 

 tree near the house, and, watching when any 

 one approached with fruit or eggs, would come 

 down and endeavour to steal them. He is fond 

 of coffee, and runs eagerly after the servants to 



