58 
THE CBACMA. 
All the baboons are excellent climbers of trees, as well as accomplished cragsmen and are 
seldom found very far from trees or rocks. As they band together in great numbers ’they are 
nearly invincible in their own domains, whether of forest or cliff, bidding defiance to almost 
every enemy but man. 
Although more ready to shun an enemy than to attack, and always preserving the better 
Part of valor, they are terrible foes when they are brought to bay, and turn upon their enemies 
with the furious energy of despair. Active to a degree, and furnished with powerful limbs 
they would be no despicable antagonists were their means of attack limited to hands and feet 
alone ; but when their long sharp teeth and massive jaws are thrown into the scale, it will be 
seen that hardly the leopard itself is a more formidable animal. 
CHACMA. - Cynocephalus porcarius. 
The teeth are formed in a manner which peculiarly fits them for the mode of attack that 
is employed by all the baboons. The great canine teeth are long and pointed at their tips, 
while their inner edge is sharp as that of a knife, and can cut with more effect than many a 
steel weapon. 
Knowing well the power of the terrible armature with which he is gifted, the enraged 
baboon leaps upon his foe, and drawing it towards him with his hands and feet, fixes his teeth 
in its throat until the sharp fangs meet together. He then violently pushes the miserable 
aggressor from him, so that the keen-edged teeth cut their way through the flesh, and inflict 
a wound that is often immediately fatal. 
In this manner they repel the attacks of dogs ; and woe be to the inexperienced hound 
who is foolish enough to venture its person within grasp of the baboon’ s feet or hands. Many 
a time have these reckless animals paid for their audacity by their life. The whole affair is 
the work of only a few seconds. The baboon is scampering away in hot haste, and the hound 
following at full speed. Suddenly the fugitive casts a quick glance behind him, and seeing 
that he has only one antagonist close upon him, wheels round, springs on the dog before it 
can check itself, and in an instant flings the dying hound on the earth, the blood pouring in 
torrents from its mangled throat. 
Of the Dog-headed baboons, the species which is most celebrated for such feats of prowess 
is the well-known animal called the Chacma, or Uksine Baboon, the latter title being given 
