6 THE GORILLA, 



He embarked, in the month of October, 1855, for the 

 western coast of Africa. His intention was to devote 

 some years to the exploration of the region comprised 

 between two degrees North and two degrees South lati- 

 tude over the whole space which extends from the coast 

 to the chain of mountains called the Sierra del Crystal. 

 This country is the domain of the gorilla. Many 

 times, during a former excursion in Africa, our traveller 

 had heard of this animal, of his terrible roar, his pro- 

 digious strength, and great courage. To reach the 

 gorilla in his haunts, to kill him, and so to enrich 

 science, was one of the objects which M. du Chaillu 

 had in view. We are going to see him at the work. 



But whilst he is seeking this extraordinary being, 

 let us listen to the stories told by the negroes whilst 

 sitting round their camp fires, as reported by the 

 American author. 



II. STORIES OF THE NEGROES. 



" MY father," said one, " used to relate, that being one 

 day in the forest, he suddenly found himself face to 

 face with a great gorilla, which barred the way. My 

 father held his lance in his hand ; at sight of this 

 weapon the gorilla began to roar. Then my father, 

 frightened, let fall his lance. When the gorilla saw 



