432 



QUADRUMANA. 



descending passage is equal to that of an extremely brilliant shake. 

 The animal then remains quiet for a short time; after which follow two 

 barks, each composed of the low and high E, sounded nearly together. 



" It appeared to me that, in ascending and descending the scale, the 

 intervals were always exactly half-tones ; and I am sure that the highest 

 note was the exact octave to the lowest. In this passage the lips were 

 engaged, and rapidly vibrated during its execution. 



" The quality of the notes is very musical ; and I do not doubt that a 

 good violinist would be able to give a correct idea of the Gibbon's com- 

 position, excepting as regards its loudness. The Gibbon's voice is, cer- 

 tainly, much more powerful than that of any singer I ever heard. 



" One more fact I noticed, viz., that the Gibbon is usually a long time 

 before she comes to the rapidly-descending passage ; but when she has 

 given it once, she soon runs through the preliminary part of her compo- 

 sition, and again comes to the descending passage." 



Allegretto. Accellerando. Crescendo. 



. ,11 ' ' 



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Prestissimo. 



With regard to the intelligence of this Gibbon, it is, certainly, far 

 superior to that of the lower Monkeys ; though, perhaps, not so high 

 as that of the Chimpanzee. She disengages, with judgment, the loops of 

 a rope or chain, which, by being entangled, would impede her progress ; 

 and she ascertains the direction of each coil before attempting to untwine 

 it, performing the task with great precision. In the apartment where 

 she is now confined, she is not secured by a rope or chain ; but a small 

 chain hangs from a collar round her neck : as this would swing about, 

 in her movements, and thus incommode her, she holds it with her foot, 

 while performing her feats of agility, so as to prevent it from being agi- 

 tated; and, when she rests, she throws it over a branch, or otherwise 

 disposes it, that she may not be troubled by it. She is observant of 

 everything : she notices the actions of those about her, and will often 

 watch them with an appearance of interest. Slight as is the contour of this 

 animal, her strength is very great : the muscles of the shoulders are very 

 voluminous, and indicate the ease with which long-continued dependence 

 from the branches is maintained. The reach of the extended arms is said 

 to be six feet. The colour of this individual differs somewhat from 



