THE CHIMPANZEE. 



409 



The Chimpanzee (Simla troglodytes) attains a height of 

 about five feet, but seems much smaller from his stooping 

 attitude. He inhabits the dense forests on the west coast of 

 Africa, particularly near the river Graboon, and as his travels 

 are facilitated by his fatherland not being too far distant from 

 Europe, there is hardly a Zoological Garden of any note that 

 does not exhibit a chimpanzee among its lions. One of the 

 finest specimens ever seen was kept a few years since in the 

 Jardin des Plantes in Paris, where the mild climate, agreeable 

 diet (he drank his pint of Bordeaux daily), and lively society 

 of the French maintained him in wonderful health and spirits. 

 'The last time I saw him' (May 1854), says an accom- 

 plished naturalist,* ' he came out to inhale the morning air in 

 the large circular inclosure in front of the monkey palace, 

 which was built for our poor relations by M. Thiers. Here 

 Chim began his day by a leisurely promenade, casting pleased 

 and thankful glances towards the sun, the beautiful sun of 

 early summer. 



' He had three satellites, Coatimondis, either by chance or to 

 amuse him, and while making all manner of eyes at a young 

 lady, who supplied the Singerie with pastry and cakes, one of 

 the coatimondis came up stealthily behind, and dealt him a 

 small but malicious bite. Chim looked round with astonish- 

 ment at this audacious outrage on his person, and put his hand 

 hastily upon the wound, but without losing his temper in the 

 least. He walked deliberately to 

 the other side of the circle, and 

 fetched a cane which he had 

 dropped in his promenade. He 

 returned with majestic wrath upon 

 his brow, mingled, I thought, with 

 contempt, and taking coati by the 

 tail, commenced punishment with 

 his cane, administering such blows 

 his victim could bear without 



jrmanent injury, and applied with 



[ual justice on the ribs at either 

 jide. When he thought enough had been done, he disposed 

 ►f coati, without moving a muscle of his countenance, by a 



* Quarterly Keview, 1855, p. 22. 



K K 2 



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KUFOUS COATIMOXDI 



