This page has been validated.
MONKEYS.
13

of two men could scarcely bend. The Chimpanzee is, without doubt, to be found in all the countries from the banks of the Gambia in the north, to the kingdom of Congo, in the south; as the natives of the intermediate parts seem to be perfectly acquainted with them. From my own experience, I can state that the low shores of the Bullom country, situated on the northern border of the River Sierra Leone, are infested by them in numbers quite equal to those of the commonest species of Monkey. I consider these animals to be gregarious; for, when visiting the rice-farms of the Chief Dalla Mohammadoo, on the Bullom shore, their cries plainly indicated the vicinity of a troop, as the noise heard could not have been produced by less than eight or ten of them. The natives also affirmed that they always travel in strong bodies, armed with sticks, which they use with much dexterity. They are exceedingly watchful; and the first one who discovers the approach of a stranger, utters a protracted cry, much resembling that of a human being in the greatest distress. The first time I heard it I was much startled; the animal was, apparently, not more than thirty paces distant; but had it been but five, I could not have seen it, from the tangled nature of the jungle; and I certainly conceived that such sounds could only have proceeded from a human being, who hoped to gain assistance by his cries, from some terrible and instant death. The native who was with me laid his hand upon my shoulder, and pointing suspiciously to the bush, said, 'Massa, Baboo live there!' and in a few minutes the wood appeared alive with them; their cries resembling the barking of dogs. My guide informed me that the cry first