14 



THE ORANG-OUTAN. 



appear on the -cheeks. As is the case with all the larger apes, it be- 

 comes sullen and ferocious as it approaches its adult state, although in 

 the earlier years of its life it is docile, quiet, and even affectionate. 

 Several young specimens have been brought to Europe, and were quite 

 interesting animals, having many curious tricks, and exhibiting marks 

 of strong affection to any one who treated them kindly. One of these 

 animals learned to take its meals in a civilized manner, using a spoon 

 or a cup and saucer with perfect propriety. 



When brought to a colder climate than that of its native land, the 



The Orang-outan {Simia Satyius). 



animal covets warmth, and is fond of wrapping itself in any woollen 

 clothes or blankets that it can obtain. On board ship it has been 

 known to rob the sailors or passengers of their bedding, and to resist 

 with much energy any attempt to recover the stolen property. 



In its native woods the Orang-outan seems to be an unsocial animal, 

 delighting not in those noisy conversaziones which rejoice the hearts of 

 the gregarious monkeys and deafen the ears of their neighbors. It does 

 not even unite in little bands of eight or ten, as do many species, but 

 leads a comparatively eremitical existence among the trees, sitting in 



