70 THE BABOON. 



is neatly peeled by the more fastidious baboons, and eaten entire by the less refined and 

 more hungry animals. 



The number of species belonging to the Dog-headed Baboons is very limited. All of 

 them seem to be possessed of very similar habits and modes of action. The species which 

 is represented in the accompanying engraving presents characteristics that are typical of 

 the entire race, and is therefore called the Baboon, par excellence. There is some 

 difficulty about the precise distinctions between several of the species, a circumstance 

 which, although to be regretted, is almost inevitable from the great external changes 

 which are occasioned by age and sex, and the impossibility of keeping a close watch 

 on these animals in their wild state. 



The most interesting portion of natural history is that which relates the habits and 

 manners of the creatures observed ; and in the majority of instances the narrations are 

 given by persons who, although fully alive to the little traits of temper," humor, 

 or ingenuity, are unacquainted with the more recondite details of systematic 

 zoology. 



Consequently, an act performed by a baboon is considered by them in virtue of the 

 deed itself, rather than in relation to the particular species of the animal who achieved it; 

 and the intellectual power displayed by the animal is thought to be of more real value 

 than the number of projections upon its molar teeth. This uncertainty is very great 

 among the baboons, and as long as an act of theft or cunning is performed by a baboon, 

 the narrator seems to care little whether the species be the Chacma, the Baboon, the 

 Papion, or any other member of the same genus. 



There are many most curious and interesting anecdotes on record which admirably 

 illustrate the baboon nature, and yet which are not to be attributed with absolute cer- 

 tainty to any one species. 



For example, there is a well-authenticated tale of a tame baboon which used to per- 

 form all kinds of clever tricks, some for the pecuniary benefit of its master, and others 

 for its own individual pleasure. 



The animal must have been of great service to its owner, for it cost him nothing in 

 food, being accustomed to steal its own daily supply. On one occasion this capability 

 was put to the test ; a date-seller being the unfortunate subject upon whom the talents 

 of the baboon were tried. The performance began by a simulated fit on the part of 

 the animal, which fell down apparently in great pain, and grovelled on the earth in a 

 paroxysm of contortions, its eyes steadily fixed on those of the date-seller. 



Apparently motiveless as this conduct might be, it was the result of much care, for 

 every writhing twist of the body brought the creature nearer to the basket which con- 

 tained the coveted dainties. When it had arrived within reach, it fixed the date-seller's 

 attention by strange grimaces, and, with its hind feet, commenced emptying the 

 basket. 



The most absurd part of the story is, that its " wicked conscience smited it " for the 

 theft, and that it perfectly understood the unjustifiable character of the deed which it 

 had just accomplished ; for, as it was retreating, after having secured its plunder, a 

 mischievous boy gave the animal a sly tug of the tail. The baboon, fancying that the 

 insult had come from the date-seller, in reprisal for the abstraction of his goods, turned 

 round, flew at the man, and, if it had not been captured by its master, would probably 

 have done him some material injury. 



A very quaint story is told of the same animal, which, if true, exhibits the strangest 

 combination of cunning, simplicity, and ready wit, that ever entered the brain of living 

 creature. At all events, if it be not true, it deserves to be so. 



It appears that the baboon was so tame, and had proved so apt a pupil, that its master 

 had taught it to watch the pot in which he prepared his dinner, and was accustomed to 

 leave it in charge of the culinary department while he was engaged in other business. 

 One day, he had prepared a fowl for his dinner, and, after putting it into the pot, and the 

 pot on the fire, went away for a time, leaving the baboon in charge, as usual. 



For a time all went well, and the animal kept a quiet watch over the fire. After a 

 while, it was seized with a desire to see what might be in the pot, and so, taking off the 

 lid, peeped in. The odor that issued from the boiled fowl was gratifying to the animal's 



