A FORTUNATE RACE. 4fi5 



of nearly the same length as the fore, the quadrupedal mode of 

 progression is easy and habitual, either when they move on the 

 ground or traverse the horizontal branches of the trees among which 

 they live. These apes are endowed with surprising strength, and 

 several, especially among the Cynocephali, render themselves formid- 

 able by their ferocity and their aggressive audacity. In captivity 

 they show, while young, a mildness of disposition which, joined to 

 their keen intelligence, would seem to render them capable of being 

 greatly improved by careful training. But these good inclinations 

 do not long endure : arrived at the adult age, the Macaucos and Cyno- 

 cephali soon allow all their malignity, mischievousness, brutality, and 

 vicious instincts to peep out, and as they grow older become com- 

 pletely intractable. 



In the time of Desfoiitaines baboons were so common in the 

 forests of the Atlas, that in the environs of Stora the trees were 

 frequently covered with them. "They feed," says that author, "on 

 pine apples, sweet nuts, Indian figs, melons, water-melons, and the 

 vegetables which they pilfer from the gardens of the Arabs, whatever 

 cares the latter may exercise to keep these ill-doing animals at a 

 distance. While engaged in their thieving operations, two or three 

 mount to the top of the tallest trees and loftiest rocks to keep watch, 

 and when they perceive any person approaching, or hear any noise, 

 they give a cry of alarm ; whereupon the whole troop immediately 

 take flight, carrying with them all they have been able to seize." 

 Despite of these predatory habits, the baboons at Gibraltar have been 

 fortunate enough to find powerful protectors in the officers of the 

 British garrison, without whom they would have been destroyed. A 

 prohibition against hunting them exists throughout the territory 

 under British rule. 



At the Cape of Good Hope, and at other points of Southern 

 Africa, Europeans are far from displaying the same amount of good- 

 will towards the Cynocephali. It is true that they are formidable 

 enemies to man through their malignity, their strength, and the 

 dangers incurred from their bite. Their mouth is armed, in fact, 



30 



