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ORDER QUADRUMANA, 243 



" Whilst in Java he lodged in a large tamarind-tree near 

 my dwelling, and formed a bed by intertwining the small 

 branches, and covering them with leaves. During the day, 

 he would lie with his head projecting beyond his nest, 

 watching whoever might pass under ; and when he saw 

 any one with fruit, would descend to obtain a share of it. 

 He always retired for the night at sunset, or sooner if he 

 had been well fed, and rose with the sun, and visited those 

 from whom he habitually received food. 



" Of some small monkeys on board from Java he took 

 little notice, whilst under the observation of the persons of 

 the ship. Once, indeed, he openly attempted to throw a 

 small cage, containing three of them, overboard; because, 

 probably, he had seen them receive food, of which he could 

 obtain no part. But although he held so little intercourse 

 with them when under our inspection, I had reason to sus- 

 pect, that he was less indifferent to their society when free 

 from our observation ; and was one day summoned to the 

 topgallant-yard of the mizen-mast to overlook him playing 

 with a young male monkey. Lying on his back, partially 

 covered with a sail, he for some time contemplated, with 

 great gravity, the gambols of the monkey, which bounded 

 over him : but at length caught him by the tail, and tried 

 to envelope him in his covering. The monkey seemed to 

 dislike his confinement, and broke from him, but again re- 

 newed its gambols, and although frequently caught, always 

 escaped. The intercourse, however, did not seem to be 

 that of equals, for the Orang Outang never condescended 

 to romp with the monkey, as he did with the boys of the 

 ship. Yet the monkeys had evidently a great predilection 

 for his company ; for whenever they broke loose, they took 

 their way to his resting-place, and were often seen lurking 

 about it, or creeping clandestinely towards him. There 

 appeared to be no gradation in their intimacy : as they ap- 

 peared as confidently familiar with him when first observed; 

 as at the close of their acquaintance. 



