THE BABOON. 197 



Ferocious disposition Predatory excursions. 



The disposition of these animals is exceedingly 

 ferocious; and their appearance is, at once, both 

 grotesque and formidable. They generally go 

 in troops, and are dangerous enemies, when col- 

 lected in any number. 



In some parts of India they frequently sally 

 forth in astonishing numbers, to attack the vil- 

 lages, while the labourers are occupied in the 

 rice harvest; and plunder the habitations of what- 

 ever provisions they can find. Fruits, corn, and 

 roots, form their principal food, and in obtaining 

 these they often commit the most violent out- 

 rages. Their great strength and the sharpness 

 of their claws, render them formidable to dogs, 

 who always overcome them with difficulty, ex- 

 cept when excess in eating has rendered them 

 heavy and inactive. When at liberty one of 

 them will easily overpower two or three men, if 

 they happen to be unprovided with weapons of 

 defence. 



The females seldom bring forth more than one 

 young one each, which they carry in their arms: 

 and they have never been known to produce in 

 cold, or even temperate climates. 



In a state of confinement these animals are ge- 

 nerally savage and ill-natured. One that was 

 exhibited at Edinburgh in the year 1779, in- 

 variably presented to the spectators the most 

 menacing aspect, and even attempted to seize 

 ever}' person who came within the reach of his 

 chain, 



