BABOONS. 125 



we come to the more typical representations of the group mentioned under the next 

 generic heading, and here content ourselves with indicating the chief characteristics 

 of the species represented in the woodcut. 



The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is an inhabitant of the southern parts of 

 Abyssinia, and is distinguished from the true baboons by the circumstance that the 

 nostrils are placed some distance behind the extremity of the snout. In this respect, 

 therefore, the gelada forms a connecting link between the black ape of Celebes and 

 the true baboons. 



This animal is of comparatively large size, and of a dark colour ; the shoulders, 

 back, rump, and fore-arms, as well as all the naked parts, being of a deep- black, 

 whereas the head, whiskers, neck, and sides are of a sooty grey, sometimes tinged 

 with brown. The most peculiar feature about the creature, is, however, the great 

 mantle of long black hair growing from the neck, and flowing over the shoulders. 

 The chest is naked, while the moderately long tail is cylindrical, and furnished 

 with a long black tuft at the end. 



Taken altogether the aspect of the gelada forcibly suggests a large black poodle 

 dog, with an unusually abundant mane. A good account of the habits of this baboon 

 has been given by Dr. Riippell, who travelled many years ago in Abyssinia. From 

 this it appears that its mode of life is very similar to that of the true baboons. 

 The geladas live in large troops, and are especially addicted to rocky regions, 

 whence they descend to plunder the cultivated grounds of the natives, occasionally 

 entering into conflict with troops of the Arabian baboon. 



A few examples of the gelada have been exhibited from time to time in the 

 Gardens of the London Zoological Society. 



THE TKUE BABOONS. 

 Genus Cynocephalus. 



With the true baboons we come to the most hideous and repulsive-look- 

 ing members of the order of Primates ; their repulsive appearance being only 

 equalled by the fierce and untamable disposition of several of the group. A 

 party of these creatures is shown among their natural surroundings in our coloured 

 Plate. 



All the baboons are confined to Africa and the countries lying on the north of 

 the Red Sea, so that they are totally absent from the Oriental region. They are 

 found over the whole of Africa ; but, as is so generally the case, are represented by 

 a greater variety of species on the west coast than elsewhere, and it is also in that 

 region that the most hideous representatives of the group are to be found. Next to 

 the Man-like Apes, the baboons include the largest members of the Primates, some 

 of the species being as large as a pointer dog. 



While agreeing with the gelada baboon in the great length of their snouts, the 

 true baboons are readily distinguished from that species by the nostrils being placed 

 at the very extremity of their snout ; indeed, in the Arabian baboon they actually 

 project slightly beyond the upper lip, as is the case in most dogs. This canine form 

 of countenance led the ancient Greeks and Romans to apply the name Cynocephali 



