APES. 
Next in importance to the history of the human family 
stands that of the great apes. In consequence of their 
near approach, apparently, to man in their physical struc- 
ture, their resemblance to him has always created a vast 
amount of interest, of astonishment, and of speculation 
in the minds of the most intelligent of those persons who 
have had the opportunity of observing these animals. 
They are regarded with more or less interest, fear, wonder, 
and superstition, not only among the most highly 
civilized of our species, but also among the natives of the 
countries inhabited by them. 
The difficulty of obtaining reliable information, and the 
still greater difficulty of obtaining specimens, have hitherto 
prevented the true history of these strange brutes becom- 
ing known ; notwithstanding this, we are gradually and 
certainly progressing in our knowledge of them. The 
travels of Mr. Wallace in Borneo brought to light much 
respecting the habits of the great Ourang-utang which 
is found in that country. The papers upon the subject 
published in the Annals of Natural History are full of 
interesting information, and the care and trouble with 
which the knowledge was obtained deserve our warmest 
admiration. 
With regard to the Gorilla, the subject of the present 
notice, it is to be regretted that our knowledge concerning 
the habits and customs of this member of the ape family 
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