152 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
just let one of his feet touch the glistening surface, and drag through the water. This trick he 
used to do when he was thirsty, for he sucked the water from off his foot. 
He was very fond of young animals, and took upon himself the occupation of nurse, whether the 
mothers liked it, or the little ones cared for it or not. Thus, on once going through the streets of a 
town seated on the baggage-wagon, the Baboon was tied fast by a good long cord, which gave him 
much liberty. He saw by the side of the road a Dog with a litter of puppies, and immediately darted 
off, caught up one of them, and was returning before the mother had recovered from the shock 
produced by his audacity. She rushed after him as he retreated with the little puppy clasped to his 
bosom with one of his arms, and so vigorously did she pursue that the Baboon was placed in difficulty, 
and had to exercise all his resources to get out of her way with his charge. The wagon was on the 
THE ANCBIS BABOON. 
move, and the rope was at its fullest length, when he suddenly took hold of it with the spare hand, 
and running himself clear, and alighting on his hind legs, met the attack of the furious Dog most 
bravely. So stoutly did he persist, that the natives rather took his part, and he retained the little 
Dog. Afterwards his master took it from him, and restored it, to his great disgust ; and, indeed, he 
was extremely offended, and was sulky and out of temper for long afterwards. Doubtless, if some 
intelligent men, who were accustomed to treat animals properly, would undertake the education of 
Baboons, they would be successful to a considerable degree ; and there is no reason why they should 
not be as useful to man as the Dog. But they are teased and worried into a premature and senile 
savageness when in captivity. 
One of the plans of teaching a Baboon to like his master is to keep him constantly in the house 
where he is ; the master feeds him, and is kind and never teazing to him, giving him, however, 
friendly scratches on the back, and having romps with him. Then, when he will answer to some name 
or call, and has become familiarised with all around, some one comes in with a whip and begins to 
