The CHILD OF THE SUN.
This animal is hitherto a non-deſcript, belonging to the claſs of Baboons.
The only one we have knowledge of (the one from which this drawing was taken) was exhibited in England about four years back, and was reported to have been brought from South America. The head, in proportion to the other parts, was remarkably large; the contour or ſhape of the face alſo rather ſingular, for one of the Monkey Tribe; the ſkin of the face ſmooth, of a ſallow complexion. The height of this animal, when erect, was five feet, and to its great ſtature was joined great ſtrength of body; the hair from the ſhoulders all over the body was very long, but not coarſe; the colour a light ſpeckled grey, reſembling a Guinea fowl.
The cunning and ſubtlety of the Monkey was very apparent, and in all its actions it cloſely imitated the human: the hams or buttocks were bare, and of a bright vermilion colour. The ſkin of this animal, when dead, was depoſited in the Leverean Muſeum, where it is now to be ſeen.
Having already noticed the characteriſtics and leading properties of Baboons, we ſhall here add ſome further general account of them.
"The Baboon is a gregarious animal, herds together in great numbers, and mutually unite their ſtrength to repel danger, and procure ſubſiſtence. The œconomy of Baboons, in general, is well regulated, and thoſe of the Cape of Good Hope, we are informed, obſerve a ſort of natural diſcipline, and go about whatever they undertake with ſurpriſing ſkill and regularity; not being carnivorous, an herd of hundreds conſume great quantities of fruits, &c. Grapes, apples, and garden fruits in general they are particularly fond of, and when they ſet about robbing an orchard or vineyard, centinels are always placed to give early notice of the approach of danger; theſe neceſſary precautions taken, the plan of operation is as follows: part enter the inloſure, pluck the fruit, and chuck it to their neareſt fellow without the fence; a regular line of communication being formed from the ſcene of operation to the place of retreat, the plunder is pitched from one to another all along the line, till it is ſafely depoſited at head quarters, which uſually is in ſome mountain. During theſe manœuvres the centinels keep a cloſe look out, and if danger approaches, a loud cry is the ſignal for retreat; this is done in a very quick, but not improvident manner, as each one loads himſelf in the mouth, hands, and under the arms; if cloſely purſued, the latter parcel is firſt dropped, next that in the hands, and laſt of all, if very much preſſed, that in the mouth. They commit their depredations with ſuch boldneſs and addreſs, that the natives, to protect their property, are ſubject to frequent watchings, and nevertheleſs ſuffer great damage.” Kolben's Cape of Good Hope.
