2 APE, 
Of the whole genus, or the monkey tribe ir* 
general, it may be observed, that the Baboons are 
commonly of a ferocious and sullen disposition. 
The larger Apes are also of a malignant temper, ex- 
cept the Oran Otan and the Gibbons. The Mon- 
kies, properly so called, are veiy various in their 
dispositions ; some of the smaller species are lively^ 
harmless, and entertaining ; while others are as 
remarkable for the mischievous malignity of their 
temper, and the capricious uncertainty of theu^ 
manners. 
It may not be improper here to observe, that 
it is no easy task to determine with exact preci- 
sion the several species of this extensive genus ; 
since, exclusive of the varieties in point of colour,, 
they are often so nearly allied as to make it difficult 
to give real distinctive characters. To this must 
be added, the mutilations which occasionally oc- 
cur in the specimens preserved in museums, or 
exhibited in public, and which, of course, are 
liable to deceive an inexperienced eye, and even 
to embarrass the most expert and sagacious natu- 
ralist. To circumstances like these are owing 
the figure of the MantegaVy or tufted Ape, in 
the first and second editions of Mr. Pennant's^ 
History of Quadrupeds. The figures in authors 
are not always to be trusted : those in the Natural 
History of the Count de BufFon are, in general, 
good. Those of Schreber are copied from them^ 
and coloured, seemingly, from description. 
