140 
NATURAL LIT STORY. 
rock. This was too much for us, and we determined to have a shot at them. Unfortunately, the 
rock was too high for a sure aim. Anyhow, we hoped to disturb them. The first shot had a wonderful 
effect. A tremendous barking and shrieking was the answer. Then the whole band moved on, 
climbing over the rocks in a most astonishing manner, where it seemed almost impossible to find a 
footing. We fired about six shots, though it was impossible to be sure of hitting. Jt was most 
comical to see the whole band, at every shot, cling on to the rock as if they thought the earth would 
give way under them. The next turn we found them no longer on high ground, but in a valley where 
they were going through to get to the hills beyond. Part of the band had crossed, but most 
were still behind. Our Dogs stopped a minute, and then rushed in among the herd. So soon as they 
got there all the old males rushed from the rocks, formed a circle round the Dogs, and opened their 
THE SACRED BABOON. 
mouths, beat the earth, and looked so fierce, that the Dogs retreated with all speed. Of course, we 
encouraged them to return to the fight, and in the meanwhile the Apes had got- across the valley. As 
the Dogs returned to the attack there were only a few in the valley, and among them a young one of 
about six months old. As it saw the Dogs it cried out, and fled to the rocks, where our Dogs brought 
it to bay, and we flattered ourselves that we should catch it. Proudly and quietly, without troubling 
himself about us, came an old male back from the other side, walked fearlessly between the Dogs, 
climbed slowly up the rock, and took off the young one in triumph.” 
Their regard for their mutual safety is even seen in captivity, for it has happened that when a 
Baboon, who lias been extremely savage, unbearable, and mischievous in his compartment, had to be 
chained to be punished, the others tried to protect him. 
“ Many kinds of Monkeys,” writes Mr. Darwin, “ have a strong taste for tea, coffee, and 
spirituous liquors ; they will also, as I have myself seen, smoke tobacco with pleasure. The wild 
Baboons of ^North-eastern Africa are often caught in consequence of their naughty propensity and love 
of a “ drop.” The natives till some vessels with strong beer, and put them out in places where they 
