THE STORY OF THE MONKEY, 



247 



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. 



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 particularly 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 evinced extreme horror at the sight of a small tor- 



YOUNG OURANG-OUTANS AT PLAY. 



toise, and, when the reptile was introduced into its den, stood aghast in a 

 most ludicrously terrified attitude, with its eyes intently fixed on the fright- 

 ful object. 



The orangs, like gorillas, go in small family parties, consisting of the 

 parents accompanied frequently by from two to four young ones. Although 

 they will devour leaves, buds, and young shoots, — more especially those of 

 the bamboo, — the chief food of the orang consists of fruits of various kinds, 

 the prime favorite being the luscious but ill-smelling durian or jack-fruit. 



