THE BABOON. 



71 



ally seizes some of the smaller of his brethren, and, 

 by a few savage bites that send them howling and 

 disgusted away, shows what he would gladly do 

 to his dangerous enemy below if he only dared. 



They generally, however, live rather peaceable 

 lives, varied with a few predatory excursions into 

 the inviting fields of the farmers, where, having 

 eaten all they possibly can, they bear away as 

 much more in their cheek-pouches and hands, to 

 be attended to afterward at tlieir leisure. This 

 occupation, together with the enforcement of the 

 discipline necessary for the welfare of every well 

 ordered family, occupies the time of the adults. 



They are very much in the habit of collecting 

 in numbers as closely as possible, and sleeping 

 away a part of the day, enjoying the Warmth of 

 the sun. When thus grouped they appear 

 wedged together, so closely are they packed, a 

 head at intervals appeai-ing from the midst of the 

 crowded bodies, and tails hanging down on every 

 side from apparently impossible places. Very 

 contented and happy they seem at such times, as 

 with eyes closed and hands tightly clasping each 

 other's fur, they utter at intervals lowgrunls of 

 intense satisfaction, and endeavor to crowd closer 

 the already impenetrable mass. Such is the bliss- 

 ful condition of those re]5resenled in the illustra- 

 tion. Evidently they highly approve of their com- 



fortable perch, and are prepared for a lengthy 

 nap. 



One old fellow, the monitor of the group, has 

 taken his position at the end of the squeezed-up 

 rank, and, embracing his knees, is considering 

 the desirability of inflicting summary chastise- 

 ment upon the misciiievous youngsters which, at 

 a little distance, so irreverently disturb the slum- 

 bers of their seniors. Another, without doubt 

 the matron of the family, has risen up from be- 

 hind the others, and prepares to express in digni- 

 fied tones her disapproval of all gambols at this 

 serious time whenanaflernoon's nap should be the 

 first consideration. Some of the more youthful 

 members have been pilfering somewhere, and one 

 is apparently greatly shocked at all unseemly be- 

 havior, and shows his astonishment in his coun- 

 tenance. 



Oh yes ! we know all about it, you little thief, 

 and your well-counterfeited expression of surprise 

 has no effect on us 1 The prominent cheeks, 

 standing out on either side of tlie head like well- 

 filled bags, tell a tale of stealing, at which, no 

 doubt, he is an adept ; and soon, in a quiet corner 

 by himself, safe from the inquisitive investiga- 

 tions of his fellows, or the more abrupt overhaul- 

 ing of the stern old ruler above him, he will dis- 

 cuss to his great satisfaction the hidden contents 

 of his pouches. 



