298 ANIMALS OF THE 



natural discipline, and go about whatever they 

 undertake with surprising skill and regularity. 

 When they set about robbing an orchard or a 

 vineyard, for they are extremely fond of grapes, 

 apples, and ripe fruit, they do not go singly to 

 work, but in large companies, and with precon- 

 certed deliberation. On these occasions, a part 

 of them enter the enclosure, while one is set 

 to watch. The rest stand without the fence, and 

 form a line, reaching all the way from their fel- 

 lows within to their rendezvous without, which 

 is generally in some craggy mountain. Every 

 thing being thus disposed, the plunderers within 

 the orchard throw the fruit to those that are 

 without as fast as they can gather it ; or, if the 

 wall or hedge be high, to those that sit on the 

 top, and these hand the plunder to those next 

 them on the other side. Thus the fruit is pitched 

 from one to another all along the line, till it is safe- 

 ly deposited at their head-quarters. They catch 

 it as readily as the most skilful tennis player can 

 a ball ; and while the business is going forward, 

 which they conduct with great expedition, a most 

 profound silence is observed among them. Their 

 sentinel, during this whole time, continues upon 

 the watch, extremely anxious and attentive ; but 

 if he perceives any one coming, he instantly sets 

 up a loud cry, and at this signal the whole com- 

 pany scamper off. Nor yet are they at any time 

 willing to leave the place empty-handed; for if 

 they be plundering a bed of melons, for instance, 

 they go off with one in their mouths, one in their 

 hands, and one under their arm. If the pursuit is 



