FORT GORILLA yi 



On the south side of this lake, not quite two degrees 

 below the equator, and within about twenty miles of the 

 ocean, is the place at which I located, in the heart of the 

 primeval forest. Here I erected my little fortress and gave 

 it the name of Fort Gorilla. On the 27th of April, 1893, 

 I took up my abode in this desolate spot, and began a long 

 and solitary vigil. 



My sole companion was a young chimpanzee that I named 

 Moses. From time to time I had a native boy as a ser- 

 vant. But I found it better to be alone and, therefore, 

 when the boy had done his chores he was dismissed until 

 such time as his services might be desired. 



Seated in this cage in the silence of the great forest, I 

 have seen the gorilla in all his majesty, strolling at leisure 

 through his sultry domain. Under like conditions I have 

 seen the chimpanzee, and the happy, chattering monkeys 

 in the freedom of their jungle home. 



In this novel hermitage I remained most of the time for 

 one hundred and twelve days and nights. 



During this period I had opportunities of watching the 

 animals following, in perfect freedom, the pursuits of their 

 daily life. With such an experience I trust that I shall not 

 be charged with vanity in saying that I have seen more of 

 those animals in a state of nature than any other white 

 man ever saw, and under conditions more favorable for a 

 careful study of their manners and habits than could other- 

 wise be possible. Hence what I have to say concerning 

 them is the result of an experience which no other man 

 can justly claim. 



I do not mean to ignore or impugn what others have said 



