CHAPTER XVI 



OTHELLO AND OTHER GORILLAS 



While I was living in my cage in the jungle I 

 secured a young gorilla, to whom I gave the name 

 "Othello." He was about one year old, strong, 

 hardy and robust. I found him to be a fine subject 

 for study, and made the best use of him for that 

 purpose. I have elsewhere described his character, 

 but his illness and death are matters of profound 

 interest. 



At noon on the day of his decease he was quite 

 well and in fine humour. He was turning somer- 

 saults and playing like a child with my native boy. 

 In his play he evinced a certain interest, and his 

 actions indicated that it gave him pleasure, but his 

 face never once betrayed the fact. It was amusing 

 to see him with the actions of a romping child and 

 the face of a cynic. 



He was supplied with plenty of native food, had a 

 good appetite, and ate with a relish. Just after noon 

 I sent the boy on an errand, and he was expected to 

 return about night. Near the middle of the after- 

 noon I observed that Othello was ill ; he declined to 

 eat or drink, and lay on his back on the ground, 



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