THE MONKEY. 



The Orang-Outan. 



The Orang-outan inhabits Borneo and Sumatra. In Borneo there are certainly two species of Orang, 

 called by the natives the Mias-kassar and the Mias-pappan. Some naturalists suppose that the Sumatran 

 Orang is also a distinct species. 



This is the largest of all the apes, as it is said that Orangs have been obtained from Borneo considerably 

 above five feet in height. The strength of this animal is tremendous ; a female snapped a strong spear 

 asunder after having received many severe wounds. Its arms are of extraordinary, length, the hands 

 reaching the ground when it stands erect. This length of arm is admirably adapted for climbing trees, on 

 which it principally resides. The rude hut which they are stated to build in the trees would be more properly 

 called a seat, or nest, for it has no roof or cover of any sort. The facility with which they form this seat 

 is curious. Mr. Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, says : " I had an opportunity of seeing a wounded female 

 weave the branches together, and seat herself in a minute. She afterwards received our fire without 

 moving, and expired in her lofty abode, whence it cost us much trouble to dislodge her." The Pappan is 

 justly named Satyrus, from the ugly face and disgusting callosities. 



When young the Orang-outan is very docile, and has been taught to make its own bed, and to handle a 

 cup and saucer, or a spoon, with tolerable propriety. For the former occupation it proved itself particu- 

 larly apt, as it not only laid its own bed clothes smooth and comfortable, but exhibited much ingenuity in 

 stealing blankets from other beds, which it added to its own. A young Orang in a zoological collection 

 evinced extreme horror at the sight of a small tortoise, and, when the reptile was introduced into its den 

 stood aghast in a most ludicrously terrified attitude, with its eyes intently fixed on the frightful object. 



