266 THE OURAN OUTANG. 
nance, and seem to be the characteristics of 
his disposition. When he first came amongst 
strangers, he would sit for hours with his hand 
upon his head, looking pensively at all around 
him : or when much incommoded hy the ex- 
amination, would hide himself beneath any 
covering that was at hand. His mildness was 
evinced hy his forbearance under injuries, 
which was grievous before he was excited to 
revenge ; but he always avoided those who 
often teased him. He soon became strongly 
attached to those who kindly used him. By 
their side he was fond of sitting ; and, getting 
as close as possible to them, would take their 
hands between his lips, and fly to them for 
protection. From the boatswain of the Al- 
ceste, who shared his meals with him, and 
was his chief favourite, although he some- 
times purloined the grog and the biscuit of 
his benefactor, he learned to eat with a spoon ; 
and might be often seen sitting at his cabin 
