Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/32

The Dutch zoologist, Dr. Muller, who has spent. many years in exploring the great Indian islands, has had, in the course of his various excursions among the primeval forests of Borneo, many opportunities of studying the manners of the Orangs in their native fastnesses. ‘‘ He describes them as being in the highest degree unsociable, leading for the most part a perfectly solitary life, and never more than two or three being found in company. Their deportment is grave and melancholy, their disposition apathetic, their motions slow and heavy, and their habits so sluggish and lazy, that it is only the cravings of appetite, or the approach of imminent danger, that can rouse them from their habitual lethargy, or force them to active exertion. When under the influence of these powerful motives, however, they exhibit a determination of character, and display a degree of force and activity, which would scarcely be anticipated from their heavy, apathetic appearance ; whilst their strength is so redoubtable, that, without the aid of fire-arms, it would be impossible to cope with them. The natives of Borneo hold them in especial dread, and carefully avoid those parts of the forest which they are known to frequent. ‘'hey are never seen on the ground, but constantly reside in trees, among the branches of which they make their way with surprising agility. Here they build a kind of rude hut, by intertwining the branches, in which they spend most part of their time, and seldom move abroad, except when urged by the calls of appetite. They feed entirely on fruits, and are never known to eat flesh, or even eggs, though young individuals, in a state of confinement, are readily taught to relish