64 APES AND MONKEYS 



the jungle, and would allow its occupant time to kill an 

 assailant before the wires would yield to an assault from 

 anything except elephants. It was not, indeed, designed 

 as a protection against them ; but, as they rarely attack a 

 man unless provoked to it, there was little danger from 

 that source. Besides, there are not many of those huge 

 brutes in the part where this strange domicile was set up. 



Through this open fabric one could see on all sides with- 

 out obstruction, and yet feel a certain sense of safety from 

 being devoured by leopards or panthers. 



Over this frail fortress was spread a roof of bamboo 

 leaves. It was provided with curtains of canvas, to be hung 

 up in case of rain. The floor was of thin boards, steeped 

 in tar. The structure was elevated about two feet from 

 the ground and supported by nine small posts or stakes, 

 firmly driven into the earth. It was furnished with a bed 

 made of heavy canvas. This was supported by two poles 

 of bamboo attached to its edges. One of these poles was 

 lashed fast to the side of the cage, and the other was sus- 

 pended at night by strong wire hooks hung from the top 

 of the cage. During the day the bed was rolled up on one 

 of the poles, so as to be out of the way. I had a light 

 camp chair, which folded up. A table was improvised 

 from a broad, short board hung on wires. When not in 

 use this was set up by the side of the cage. To this outfit 

 a small kerosene stove and a swinging shelf were added. 

 A few tin cases contained my wearing apparel, blankets, a 

 pillow, a camera and photographic supplies, medicines, and 

 an ample store of canned meats, crackers, etc. There were 

 also some tin platters, cups, and spoons. A magazine rifle, 



