The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-02-24
THE MONKEY AND CROWS.

! In tie junglcs in the neiehborhood of Tilicherry
there is large species of monkey, frequently tanned
by the natives, and at a village "A short distance
from this celebrated seaport, we had an evidence
of the remarkable .sagacity of the animal few
yards from the house of the person to whom 1t be-
longed, thick pole at least thirty feet high, had
been fixed to the earth, round which was iron
ring, and TO this attached strong chain of con-
siderable length, fastened to the collar round the
monkeys neck.-The chain being loose il easily
slid up the pole when he assembled. He was in the
habit of taking his station on the top of the bamboo
where he seemed perched as if to enjoy the pros
pect around him this was really striking. The
crows, which in India very abundant and sngu-
larly audacious, taking advantage of his elevated
position, had been in the daily habit of robbng him
of his food, which placed every morning and
evening al the foot of the pole To this he had
vany attempted to express his dislike by chatlering
and other indications of his dspleasure equally in
efectual nothing that he could do was of any avail
to scare away these unwelcome Dtruders upon his
repast. He tried various modes to Danish them, but
they continued the periodical depredations. Find
ing that he was perfectly unheeded, he adopted a
plan of retribution as eifectual it ingenius.
One morning when his tormenters had been partc-
uary troublesome, he appeared as If seriously IN
disposed he closed his eyes, dropped his head, ind
exhibited various other symptoms of suffering.
No his ordinary rations put at the root
of the bamboo, than the crows, watching their op-
portunty, descended in great numbers and accor-
ding their usual practice began to demolish his
provisions. The monkey began to slide down the
pole by slow degrees as if the effort was painful
him. and if so by indsposition, that his
remaining strength scarcely equal to such ex-
ertion.-When Inc reached the ground he rolled about
some time, seeming ~ great agony, until he found
himself close to the vessel employed to contain his
food which the crows by this time well nigh de-
voured. There was however, some remaining
which solitary bird, embodened by the apparen,
indisposition of the monkey, advanced to seize The
willy creature was at this time lying in state of APP
parent nsensbty at the foot of the pole and close
Dy the pan. The moment the crow stretched ou
its head, aud ere it could secure mouthiul Of the
of the interdicted food, the watchu avenger seized
the depredator by the neck with the rapidity o
thought, and secured from doing further mischief
He now began to chatter and grin with every ex-
preston of gratifed triumph, while the flew
round, cawing in bosterous chime, if deprecatinE
the chastisement about to be inflicted upon the
captive companion. The monkey continued for
while to chatter and grin in triumphant mockery o
their distress; he then deliberately placed the crow
between his knees, and began to pluck it with hu-
morous gravity. When he had completely stripped
it, except the large feathers in the pinions and tail
he flung into the air as high his strength would
permit, and after Tapping its wings for few Sec
onds, it fell to the ground with stunning shock
The other crows which had been fortunate enough
to escape similar castigation, now surrounded it
and Immediately pecked it to death. The expires
sion of joy on the animals countenance was alto
gether indcscrbable and he had seer
this ample rctrbution dealt to the purloiner of hi
repas, than he ascended the bamboo to enjoy qni
ct reposc. The next time his food was brought, no
a single crow approached it, and dare say tha
thenceforh he was never molested by these voroc
ous intruders.- Oriental dnnuak.