688 ZOOLOGICAL 
and encased the leg in a plaster-of-Paris band- 
age, with a long splint, to secure perfect 
rigidity. Should the fracture be located within 
the capsular ligament, there is a possibility that 
the knitting of the ends of the bones may result 
in a change of the fluid and a consequent per- 
manent stiffness of the leg. <A similar accident 
happened to a large African monkey, but with a 
perfect recovery and entire use of the limb, 
the animal living five years after the splint was 
removed. 
So many and varied are the cases now on rec- 
ord, that Dr. Blair believes that an operation 
for the displacement of a vertebra of some rep- 
tile alone is required to complete the entire round 
of possible accidents. 
x & % 
In July we received a chimpanzee represent- 
ing the species known as Pan schweinfurthi, 
probably about one year old, and the smallest that 
we have ever seen. As shown by the picture of the 
little fellow in the scales, he weighs only thir- 
teen and one-quarter pounds—not a great deal 
more than the average newly-born human infant. 
As a companion for “Baldy,” the present repre- 
sentative of the Genus Pan, he would have fitted 
nicely into the order of things at the Primate 
House; but “Baldy’s” muscular development has 
been so rapid that he has long ago passed the age 
of succoring his orphan and disconsolate broth- 
ers. Even the largest orangs do not relish a frolic 
with “Baldy,” and lately Keeper Riley has had 
several very strenuous arguments with this very 
turbulent youngster,—not always emerging 
from the encounter with all of the glory. On 
Friday, August 12, there occurred between 
“Baldy” and Keeper Riley a regular battle for 
the supremacy of the Primate House, and we 
are glad to be able to report that the keeper still 
remains master of the situation. As the placid 
disposition of the orangs is more suited to hover- 
ing infants, the new baby has one of the orangs 
as a companion, and is quite happy with 
“Mimi.” 
In spite of “Baldy’s” perversity, and decided 
inclination toward having his own way, he still 
evinces, in a sprightly and cheerful manner, an 
aptitude for delineating many of the accomplish- 
ments of his human associates. So aptly has he 
acquired some of them that the Director and 
Mr. Ditmars decided that he should display his 
intelligence in public. Each afternoon, at 4.15 
o'clock, “Baldy” gravely sits at a table, upon 
a raised platform at the south end of Baird 
Court, and with great deliberation eats his 
luncheon. There has been no attempt to garb 
SOCIETY 
BULLETIN. 
the exhibition with any display that would de- 
prive it of its ape-like character, other than to 
use a table, chair and eating utensils. 
The ape leaves the Primate House with his 
keeper, and walks erect to the platform, ascend- 
ing the stairs and seating himself at the table, 
unaided. He uses either fork or spoon, with 
commendable skill; devours an ice-cream cone 
—for which he has a decided fondness—and 
drinks a mixture of milk and eggs from a bot- 
tle, which he raises with a great flourish. An 
interesting element of the entertainment is 
“Baldy’s” evident pleasure in performing in 
public. The size of the audience is in no way 
disconcerting. Until the accident of the frac- 
tured leg, his companion had been the injured 
orang-utan. 
x we # 
Violent exceptions to all forms of surgery, es- 
pecially dentistry, are no more frequent among 
men than among animals. Excepting the great 
apes, who are always the best of patients, the 
practice of dentistry with certain groups, is a 
trying and dangerous science. As most animals 
make use of their teeth and claws as weapons 
of offense and defense, working around the head 
of a strong animal—even though the feet may 
be rendered helpless—is decidedly hazardous. 
Tales are frequently told of the abnormal de- 
velopment of teeth, tusks and mandibles that 
seem incredible, and yet actual observation of 
singular cases in the Park would convince the 
skeptical of their possibility, and that with care 
and skill, relief can always be given. A golden 
agouti received early this year, was so emaciated 
that the keepers believed it had been starved, 
and promptly gave it individual attention and 
an abundance of food. They were soon quite 
certain that it ate the food, but that it remained 
weak and thin. The case was so singular that 
a watch was kept, in order that the actual process 
of eating could be noted. After some time had 
elapsed, the keepers detected flecks of blood on 
the animal’s jaws and referred the matter to Dr. 
Blair. The agouti was captured, and upon 
opening the mouth, the secret was instantly 
solved. The lower incisors had grown so long 
that they had completely passed the upper ones 
and were cutting into the roof of the mouth. 
Carefully placing a thin piece of wood lateral- 
ly between the jaws, the doctor inserted his 
bone forceps, cutting the two teeth back to their 
original chisel-like shape. After cleansing the 
wounds, the agouti was liberated, and immedi- 
