56 THE PIGMY APE, 



flat, and the ears very much resemble those of 

 Men. The general colours of the body are olive- 

 brown above, and yellowish on the belly. 



In disposition these creatures are mild, and they 

 may be tamed without much difficulty. When 

 ang'-y they use threatening gestures, and always 

 chatter when pleased. They sip their drink from 

 the palm of the hand *, mimic our smiles and 

 frowns, and, as Linnaeus says, imitate the forms of 

 salutation used by the Caffres -jf. They have reten- 

 tive memories, and frequently recollect the persons 

 of benefactors for many years. In their general 

 manners they are sagacious, gay, and frolicksome ; 

 but when laid hold of in a wild state they bite very 

 furiously in self defence. In their native forests they 

 associate in troops, and live principally on vegeta- 

 bles, grain, and fruit. Like many others of this 

 genus they often go in a body to attack gardens or 

 plantations. Previously to their commencement of 

 the plundering excursion, one of the party is always 

 sent to some eminence, to observe how far it appears 

 safe for them to venture. If the course is clear, he 

 gives a signal, and they all come forth and imme-r 

 diately proceed to business. He, however, still re- 

 mains on the watch. If any one approaches he ut- 

 ters a loud scream, when those on the ground im- 

 mediately run up the trees ; and if the alarm con- 

 tinues, and the country is pretty well wooded, they 

 pursue their route, by leaping from tree to tree, all 



* Kerr. i. 58. t Gmelin. i. 28- 



