MAMMALOGY. 



First impressions are always strong, though not invariably so con- 

 clusive as subsequent observation ; but when the mind has been 

 much excited previously by expectation, and that the peculiarities 

 of the object considered are strikingly obvious they rarely fail to 

 prove correct. Such was really the case with us when we first saw 

 the living Orang-Outang. This interesting animal, so long the sub- 

 ject of speculation among naturalists, could not but awaken an 

 anxious wish to contemplate the living animal, and when the oppor- 

 tunity was afforded by the ai-rival of Mr. AbeFs Orang-Outang at 

 the Exeter Change Menagery, we shortly hastened to inspect it. 



At the time we entered the apartment instead of finding a cap- 

 tive in chains, or confined within a cage of lattice-work, or railing, 

 we found the little object of our visit seated at the tea table holding 

 in one hand a slice of buttered bread, and in the other a large china 

 handle tea-cup : he was in fact just then at his ^' tea," and this 

 repast he seemed to enjoy, eating the bread and butter, and at inter- 

 vals sipping and drinking his tea with much gravity and composure, 

 and with perfect indifference to the number of visitors pressing 

 round him ; nor would he relinquish his meal though urged by his 

 keeper, the better to exhibit his person to the company till he had 

 entirely drained the cup of its contents. 



* Whatafrightful monster ! is this, exclaimed a lady, who with other 

 visitors entered the apartment at the same time with ourselves ; he 

 deigned to cast a look upon the lady, who had so plainly disclosed her 

 mind, as if for a moment he had been surprised : it was not the ex- 

 pression of his mortified pride or of resentment ; it was steadfast, in- 

 teUigent, and mild, and seemed to imply thather!eKclamationof disgust 



VOL. II. y 



