QUADRUMANA. 35 



ing the second and third toes of the hind foot united by a narrow 

 membrane the whole length of .the first joint. As the generic 

 name, Hylobates, imports, this animal lives in the recesses of 

 dense woods, (in the East Indian islands and the Malay penin- 

 sula.) The hands are extremely powerful, and so long that 

 they reach to the heel, and their span extends from four to six 

 feet. These greatly assist him in making his rapid movements 

 among the trees. The fur is longer and more abundant than 

 that of the Orangs. The animal is like the Orang in temper . 

 and manners, but much smaller, when standing upright, being 

 but two feet four inches. It is a better walker than the Orang, 

 but its gait is unsteady, and it frequently places its hands on the 

 ground to assist its position. An adult male of this species was 

 taken in 1830, but died while on ijs way to England. It fed on 

 vegetables, yet eagerly accepted animal food ; fowls it especially 

 preferred. It appeared to be good tempered and affectionate; 

 "when pleased, uttering a chirping note; when frightened or 

 angry, uttering the loud guttural sounds of ra, ra, ra." It was 

 fond of play and became quite attached to a Papuan girl who 

 was on board the vessel "would sit on the capstan with its long 

 paw around her neck, and lovingly eat biscuit with her." This 

 Gibbon is sometimes called the SIAMANG, and is said to be cele- 

 brated for the pains which it takes to wash the face of its young, 

 which it does with maternal faithfulness, in spite of its screams 

 and struggles. 



H. agilis. The AGILE, or SILVERY GIBBON, also called the 

 Uiiglta, or Oungka. 



This species is a native of Sumatra, deriving its name, agilis, 

 (active,) from its remarkable activity in leaning among the 

 branches. One of these animals, which was exhibited in Lon- 

 don some years since, " sprang with the greatest ease through 

 distances of twelve and eighteen feet ; and when apples or nuts 

 were thrown to her while in the air, she would catch them with- 

 out discontinuing her course. Sh'e kept up a succession of 

 springs, hardly touching the branches in her progress, continually 

 uttering a musical but almost deafening cry. She was very 

 tame and gentle, and would permit herself to be touched or ca- 

 ressed." This Gibbon is distinguished by its low forehead, as 

 well as its activity. The color varies a good deal, according to 

 the sex or age, but is usually brown. In the male, a white band t 

 over the eyes unites with the whitish whiskers. The hair is fine 

 except about the neck, where it is rather woolly and curled. 



