THE CHIMPANZEE 



45 



ward direction, which is the reverse of that on the lower 

 arm, so that the tips of the hairs meet at the elbow. When 

 it rains the Chimpanzee, in common with other apes, places 

 its hands on its head, and the hairy arms thus form a kind 

 of pent roof to shelter the face, the water dripping off at the 

 elbows. 



Though its home is in the forest the Chimpanzee is 

 largely a groundling. It travels in strong bodies, chiefly in 

 search of the soft fruits which form the main portion of 

 its food, though it varies its diet with honey, grubs, and 



SKULL OF THE CHIMPANZEE. 

 (One-third natural size.) 



birds. Any plantain, banana, or corn plantations in the 

 neighbourhood of a Chimpanzee colony will be sure to 

 suffer from well concerted raids. It is difficult to catch 

 them in their marauding excursions, for they are exceedingly 

 watchful animals, and at the first warning cry from those 

 on outpost duty they seek cover in the deep recesses of the 

 bush. 



The Chimpanzee is largely nocturnal in habit. During 

 the night the forest resounds with the most hideous noises, 

 probably a means of keeping the band together in the dark- 



