90 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
they claim as their own. They feed on fruits, vege- 
tables and roots. The Orang-Outang may be tamed, 
and he then displays much sagacity, and closely im- 
itates the manners and actions of those with whom 
he resides. 
238. “ I have seen it,” says BufFon, “ give its hand 
to show the company to the door : I have seen it sit 
at table, unfold its napkin, wipe its lips, make use 
of the spoon and fork in eating, pour out its drink, 
take a cup and saucer, put in sugar, pour out its tea, 
leave it to cool before drinking, and all this without 
any other instigation than the signs or the command 
of its master, and often of its own accord.” 
239. In the account of an Orang-Outang, which 
was conveyed from Borneo to England in the ship 
Csesar, it is related, that “ he was allowed to wander 
freely about the ship, and soon became familiar with 
the sailors, and surpassed them in agility. They 
often chased him about the rigging, but he always 
managed to escape. 
240. “ From the boatswain of the ship, who shared 
his meals with him, he learned to eat with a spoon ; 
and he might be often seen sitting at his cabin door, 
enjoying his coffee, quite unembarrassed by those 
who observed him, and with a grotesque and sombre 
air, that seemed a burlesque on human nature. 
241. “It was his custom to rifle every body’s 
pockets in search of something to eat. For drink, 
he preferred coffee and tea, but would readily take 
wine, and exemplified his attachment to spirits by 
stealing the captain’s brandy bottle. 
242. “ He commonly slept at the mast-head, after 
What do they feed upon ? When tamed, what qualities does it 
display ? What does Buffon relate of an Orang-Outang ? What 
is related of one that was conveyed from Borneo to England ? 
