28 THE ORANG-OUTANG. 



Having thus cut off his retreat, they apply the axe to the tree of refuge, and endeavor 

 to secure the ape before he has recovered from the shock of the fall. 



The adult male animal is singularly hideous in aspect, owing much of its repulsive- 

 ness to the great projection of the jaws and the callosities that appear on the cheeks. 

 As is the case with all the larger apes, it becomes sullen and ferocious as it approaches 

 its adult state although in the earlier years of its life it is docile, quiet, and even affec- 

 tionate. Several young specimens have been brought to Europe, and were quite 

 interesting animals, having many curious tricks, and exhibiting marks of strong 

 affection to any one who treated them kindly. One of these animals learned to take 

 its meals in a civilized manner, using a spoon or a cup and saucer, with perfect 

 propriety. 



When brought to colder climates than that of its native land, the animal covets 

 warmth, and is fond of wrapping itself in any woolen clothes, or blankets that it can 

 obtain. On board ship it has been known to rob the sailors or passengers of their 

 bedding, and to resist with much energy any attempt to recover the stolen property. 



Though sufficiently docile and good-tempered when it has his own way, the young 

 Orang is rather subject to sudden gusts of passion when crossed in its wishes, and 

 in such cases puts forth its powers with much effect. But the angry passion soon 

 passes away, and the creature seems to be ashamed of its conduct. 



One of these animals which I watched for some little time, had a curiously wistful 

 and piteous expression of countenance, and although very young, its face was wrinkled 

 like that of an old man of eighty. The creature sat and looked out of its deeply-set 

 eyes, as if the cares of the nation rested on its shoulders. It was not very lively, but 

 moved about among the branches with great ease. The form was not at all sym- 

 metrical, for the long arms, and feet, and hands seemed strangely out of proportion 

 with its round, weakly-looking body, so that it involuntarily reminded the spectator of 

 those long-legged, round-bodied spiders that are so common about old walls. 



The lips were very mobile, and the animal moved them when agitated by any emo- 

 tions ; sometimes shooting them forward like the poutings of a petulant child, and 

 sometimes drawing them together in strange wrinkles. The neck was but slightly 

 indicated, and the whole animal presented an uncouth, goblin-like aspect. 



One of these animals, that was brought to England by Dr. Abel, exhibited many curious 

 habits. 



It had been taught to walk in an erect position, without supporting itself by extra- 

 neous help, but the erect posture was so ill-adapted to its structure, that it could only 

 preserve its balance by raising the arms over its head, and throwing them behind it, 

 as has already been mentioned . The mode in which the head is united to the neck 

 renders the equilibrium uncertain. 



This animal was tolerably omnivorous in appetite, for although its usual food con- 

 sisted of fruits and bread, it was exceedingly fond of raw eggs, and would eat almost any 

 kind of meat, whether dressed or raw. It would drink water, or milk, or beer, prefer- 

 ring the two latter liquids to any other. But it was also fond of wine, and was partial 

 to mixtures of a still more potent character. Coffee and tea were favorite beverages 

 with the animal, so that it displayed a decidedly civilized taste. 



As might be expected, while it was onboard ship the sailors petted their companion 

 after their wont, and it was quite familiar with them, showing no fear, and even 

 occasionally indulging in a sham fight. But it was struck with unaccountable fright 

 at some very harmless creatures that became inmates of the same vessel. They were 

 only common turtles, perfectly incapable of doing damage, and destined for soup. But 

 the mere sight of them terrified the Orang-outang to such an extent that it ran away 

 to the mast-head, and, protruding its lips, uttered a series of strange sounds. A land 

 tortoise affected the animal in a similar manner, as also did the sight of a number of 

 men bathing and floating in the water. Perhaps there was some connection in the 

 mind of the ape between the turtle and the cayman, which supposition is strengthened 

 by the alarm caused by the bathers. I have known a common snail cause a great 

 turmoil in a cage of monkeys, and there may possibly be some instinctive antipathy 

 between monkeys and crawling animals. 



