220 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



A singular contest. 



when out of danger, approach in a wheedling 

 and caressing manner, as if to solicit forgiveness, 

 though ever liable to relapse into the same faults. 



In their native wilds and forests these animals 

 generally appear peaceable among each other: 

 and when herds of different species happen to 

 meet, they chatter together, without evincing 

 any hostile inclinations. Sometimes, however., 

 adventurous stragglers seem desirous of seeking 

 their fortunes in places where another lierd is in 

 possession, and on such occasions the invaders 

 are immediately repulsed. M. de Maisonpre, 

 and six other Europeans, were witnesses to a sin- 

 gular contention of this nature in the enclosures 

 of the pagodas of Cherinam. A large and strong 

 monkey had stolen in, but was soon discovered. 

 At the first cry of alarm many of the males unit- 

 ed, and ran to attack the stranger. He, though 

 greatly superior in size and strength, saw his danr 

 ger, and flew to attain the top of a pyramid, ele- 

 ven stories high, whither he was instantly follow- 

 ed ; but when arrived at the summit of the build- 

 ing, which terminated in a small round dome, he 

 placed himself firmly, and taking advantage of 

 his situation, seized three or four of the most 

 hardy, and precipitated them to the bottom. 

 These proofs of his prowess intimidated the rest, 

 and after much noise they thought proper to re- 

 treat. The conqueror retained his situation till 

 evening, and then retired to a place of safety. 



Such is the propensity of these animals to 



