FOOD AND BEDDING 283 



limiting the quantity. One mistake is often committed 

 in the treatment of animals, and that is to continue the 

 same diet at all times and to limit that to one or two 

 items. It may be observed that the higher the form of 

 organism the more diverse the taste becomes. Very 

 hardy animals or those of low forms may be restricted 

 to one kind of staple food. The higher form demands a 

 change. 



One thing above all others that I would inhibit is the 

 use of straw of any kind in the cage, for beds or for any 

 other purpose. If it be desired to furnish them with 

 such a comfort, nothing should ever be used but dead 

 leaves, if they can be supplied. In their absence a canvas 

 mattress or wire matting should be used. There are cer- 

 tain kinds of dust given off by the dry straw of all cereal 

 plants. This is deleterious to the health of man, but 

 vastly more so to these apes. It is taken into the lungs 

 and through them acts upon other parts of the body by 

 suppressing the circulation and respiration. No matter 

 how clean the straw may be, the effect will be the same in 

 the end. Hay is less harmful than straw, but even the 

 use of hay should not be permitted. 



Another thing which is necessary is to entertain or 

 amuse the apes in some way, otherwise they become 

 despondent and gloomy. It is believed by those who are 

 familiar with these creatures that loneliness or solitude is 

 a fruitful cause of death. This is especially true of the 

 gorilla. 



Another important fact, little known, is that tobacco 

 smoke is usually fatal to a gorilla. Every native hunter 



