270 THE OURAN OUTANG. 
observed as at the close of their acquaint- 
ance. 
“ But, although so gentle when not exceed- 
ingly irritated, the ouran outang could be ex- 
cited to violent rage, which he expressed by 
opening his mouth, showing his teeth, and seiz- 
ing and bitingthose who were near him. Some- 
times indeed he seemed to be almost driven to 
desperation ; and on two or three occasions 
committed an act which in a rational being 
would have been called the threatening of sui- 
cide. If repeatedly refused an orange when 
he attempted to take it, he would shriek vio- 
lently and swing furiously about the ropes ; 
then return and endeavour to obtain it : if 
again refused, he would roll some time like an 
angry child upon the deck, uttering the most 
piercing screams ; and then, suddenly starting 
up, rush furiously over the side of the ship, and 
disappear. On first witnessing this act, we 
thought that he had thrown himself into the 
