594 
MAMMALIA. 
was obtained of tbe Gorilla. Until within a few years, the 
history of this monstrons inhabitant of Equatorial Africa was 
surrounded by mysteries and contradictions without number ; the 
specimens that had been recently received in Europe and America 
gave rise to great discussions. In 1864, a Frenchman by birth, 
claiming American citizenship, M. Paul du Chaillu, son of a 
merchant established at the Gaboon, published reports full of 
interest regarding these extraordinary animals. 
Returning to Africa, M. du Chaillu made some new observa- 
tions on this ferocious Quadrumana, which he has embodied in 
a second work, published in 1867. 
Before going further, however, we will relate in a few words 
the history of the discovery of this monstrous Monkey. 
In the “Periplus, or Yoyage of Hanno the Carthaginian,” an 
interesting passage, which appears to refer to this species of 
Monkey, is found* The following is the translation given by 
Bishop Maltby : — 
“ The third day, having set sail, and passed the fieTy current, 
we came to the bay called the Southern Horn. In it was an 
island, in which was a lake, and in it another island full of 
savages, the majority of whom were women, whose bodies were 
covered with hair, and which our interpreter called Gorillas. 
We pursued these, but could not capture any men ; all escaped 
by climbing up the precipices ; but we took three women (females), 
who bit and scratched those who overcame them, and whom they 
would not follow. Having killed them, they were hayed, and 
we brought their skins to CarthageY 
This description could only apply to great animals similar to 
Man in size and shape — either to Gorillas, or Chimpanzees some- 
what advanced in age. 
A celebrated traveller, Andrew Battel, who, towards the end 
of the sixteenth century, visited tropical Africa, mentions two 
different species of large Monkey, the Pongo and the Engeco. 
The first was the Gorilla or Orang, while the second was the 
Hshiego, or Chimpanzee of M. du Chaillu. 
The first authentic information regarding the Gorilla was 
given in a letter from Doctor Savage, dated from the River 
Gaboon, 24th April, 1847, accompanied by a sketch of a 
cranium, which was intended to be submitted to the inspection 
