536 



WILD ANIMALS. 



over seen in Europe, and much coveted by the Zoological Society 

 of London, who offered, I believe, as much as 2000L for him. He 

 is as like a little negro boy in the face as a being not absolutely 

 human can be ; his hands are most startlingly human ; and in 

 many of his childish ways and solemn courtesies he is almost 

 more than ' anthropomorphic' He was brought to Europe by Dr. 

 -Falkenstein as one of the spoils of the Prussian expedition to 

 Africa, and the motives of patriotism determined the people of 

 Berlin to retain him there. Dr. Von Hermes, the director of the 

 Aquarium, is about, however, to bring him to London ' for the 



'PONGO, THE TOUNG GORILLA. 



season,' and I do not doubt that he will have a reception as enthu- 

 siastic as he has received here, and as is due to his distinguished 

 character as an unique individual and an ape of the most gentle 

 disposition and agreeable manners. His cousin, a very lively 

 chimpanzee, who is on the best possible terms -with ' Pongo ' will 

 probably accompany him ; for the semi-human tricks of the two, 

 and the extreme politeness with which they share a friendly glass 

 of wine and water, add a good deal to the zest of Pongo' s audi- 

 ences. To see the gorilla ' Pongo ' gravely and politely tilting 



