328 
ORANG-OUTANG. 
object to throw him down, then to secure him with his hands and 
feet, and then wound him with his teeth. 
Of some small monkeys on board from Java he took little notice, 
whilst under the observation of the persons of the ship. Once 
indeed he openly attempted to throw a small cage, containing three 
of them, overboard ; because, probably, he had seen them receive 
food of which he could obtain no part. But although he held so 
little intercourse with them when under our inspection, I had reason 
to suspect that he was less indifferent to their society when free from 
our observation; and was one day summoned to the top gallant yard 
of the mizen-mast to overlook him playing with a young male mon- 
key. Lying on his back, partially covered with the sail, he for some 
time contemplated, with great gravity, the gambols of the monkey 
which bounded over him ; but at length caught him by the tail, and 
tried to envelope him in his covering. The monkey seemed to dis- 
like the confinement, and broke from him, but again renewed its 
gambols, and although frequently caught, always escaped. The in- 
tercourse however did not seem to be that of equals, for the orang- 
outang never condescended to romp with the monkey as he did with 
the boys of the ship. Yet the monkeys had evidently a great predilec- 
tion for his company ; for whenever they broke loose, they took their 
way to his resting-place, and were often seen lurking about it, or 
creeping clandestinely towards him. There appeared to be no gra- 
dation in their intimacy ; as they appeared as confidently familiar 
with him when first observed as at the close of their acquaintance. 
But although so gentle when not exceedingly irritated, the orang- 
outang could be excited to violent rage, which he expressed by 
opening his mouth, showing his teeth, seizing and biting those who 
were near him. Sometimes indeed he seemed to be almost driven 
to desperation ; and on two or three occasions committed an act, 
which, in a rational being, would have been called the threatening of 
suicide. If repeatedly refused an orange when he attempted to 
take it, he would shriek violently and swing furiously about 
the ropes ; then return and endeavour to obtain it ; if again refused, 
