THE GORILLA 235 



his age, cannot now be stated. There is no doubt that in 

 many instances families remain intact for a long time after 

 the death of their ikomba. 



It has been stated by many writers that the gorilla builds 

 a rude hut for himself and family. I have found no evi- 

 dence that such is the fact. The natives declare that he 

 does this, and some white men affirm the same. During 

 my travels through the country of the gorilla I offered 

 frequent and liberal rewards to any native who would show 

 me a specimen of this simian architecture ; but I was 

 never able to find a trace of one made or occupied by any 

 ape. Sometimes they take shelter from the tornadoes, but 

 it is usually under some fallen tree or a cluster of broad 

 leaves. There is absolutely nothing to indicate that they 

 rearrange any part of tree or leaves. So far as I could 

 find, there is absolutely no proof that any gorilla ever put 

 two sticks together with the idea of building a shelter. As 

 to his throwing sticks or stones at an enemy, there is noth- 

 ing to verify it, but much to controvert it. It is a mere 

 freak of fancy. 



The current opinion that a gorilla will attack a man with- 

 out being provoked to it is another popular error. He is 

 shy and timid. He shrinks alike from man and from other 

 large animals. When he is in a rage he is both fierce and 

 powerful ; but his ferocity and strength are rated above 

 their value. In combat no doubt he is a stubborn foe, 

 but no one I have ever met has seen him thus engaged. 

 His mode of attack, as described by certain travelers, is a 

 mere theory. It is said that in this act he walks erect, 

 furiously beats upon his breast, roars, and yells. In this 



