DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 141 
Congo; probably through negligence in rearing 
them. All the wild animals known in Africa are 
numerous here. Elephants, however, do not appear 
much on the coast ; the ivory brought down the 
Congo, in large quantities, is from the interior. The 
insects called termites, are very numerous ; also the 
whole ape and monkey race, particularly the oran- 
outang. The facts which our author certifies with 
regard to the intelligence of this animal are truly as- 
tonishing. One, which was on board the vessel along 
with him, lighted the oven, proportioning the fuel 
to the temperature of the weather, and guarding 
against any of the coals falling out. It then ad- 
vised the cook, by a sign, when it was time to put 
in the bread. It assisted also in pulling the ropes 
of the ship, knowing perfectly when to draw, and 
when to stop. It walked on its hindfeet, sup- 
ported by a staff ; and was supposed by the ne- 
groes to refrain from speech, only from the dread 
of being compelled to labour. 
The houses of this country are merely cottages, 
composed of reeds, mud, and straw. Persons of 
distinction have a great number of these cottages, 
separate buildings being employed for kitchen, 
stable, and other offices, and one being appro- 
priated to each of their wives. Before every cottage 
is an open space, where the master receives visi- 
tors, who are never introduced within doors. The 
whole are enclosed within a wall, composed of the 
