The Georgetown news., 1855-08-16
The NIan-Monkey OF Rr,7u

=
sketch OF tame monkey
A short time ago, / dined at Brazilian
merchants. The conversation turned mon
the well-tutored chimpanzee of Mr.. Van
neck, creole gentleman, whose slave had
brought him the monkey which he had
caught in the wood. Every one praised the
accomplished animal, giving accounts Of its
talents so wonderful, that l could rot help
expressing some incredulity. MY host snif
ed, saying that | was not the first Que who
would not believe in these results Of animal
education until he had seen it with his own
eyes. He therefore proposed to me to call
with him Gu Mr.. Vanneck. / gladly con-
sented, and on the following morning we
set out. The house of the creole lies on the
road to Glinda, about an hours ride. from
town. We proceeded along splendid hedges
Of cactus, shaded by bananas and palm trees.
and at length observed the charming villa.
A negro received us at the entrance. and
took US to the parlor, fastening to tell his
master of our visit. The first object which
caught our attention was the monkey seat
ed On a stool, sewing with great industry.
Much struck, | watched him attentively.
while he, not paying any attention to US,
proceeded with his work The door open
ed, and Mr.. Fanneck, reclining on an easy
chair, was wheeled in. Though his legs are
paralyzed, he seemed bright and cheerful,
he welcomed US most kindly. The monkey
went on sewing with great zeal. | could
not refrain from exclaiming, How wonder
fuI!' for the manner and processes of the
animal were those Of practised tailor
He was sewing pair of striped pantaloons.
the narrow shape of which showed they
were intended for himself.
a negro now appeared, announcing Mad
anne Jasmin, whom Vanneck introduced as
his neighbor. Madame JasTnin was accom-
panied by her little daughter; girl Of
twelve yearc, who Immediately ran to the
monkey, greeting him as an old friend, and
began to prattle with him. Jack furtively
peepd at his master, bat as Mr.. Vanneck's
glance was stern, the tailor went on sewing.
Suddenly his thread broke and he put the
end to his mouth, smoothed it with bis lips,
twisted it with his left paw and threaded
the needle again. Mr.. Vanneck then turn
ed to him and speaking in the calm tone in
which he had conversed with US, Jack, put
your work aside and sweep the foor?"
Jack hurried to an adjoining room, came
back without delay, broom in his paw,
and swept and dust like clever housemaid.
l could now perfectly make ont his size, SIS
he walked upright. not on his four hands
He was about three feet in height, but stoop-
ed little. He was clad in linen panta-
looms, cOlored shirt, jacket and a red
handkerchief. At another hint from his mas
ter, Jack went and brought several glasses
of lemonade on a tray. He first presented
the tray to Madame Jasmin and daughter.
then TO us, precisely like weII-bred foot
man. When l had emptied my glass he
fastened to relieve me from it, putting it
back on the tray. Mr.. Vanneck took out
his watch and showed it to the monkey; il
was just three. Jack went and brought a
cup Of broth to his master, who remarked
that the monkey did not know the move
ments Of the watch, but that he knew ex-
actly the position of the hands when thev
pointed three, and kept in mind that it was
then his master wanted bis luncheon. IF
the watch was shown him at any other hour
he did not go to fetch the broth. while if
three o'clock was passed without the lunch
con being called for, he got fdgety, and at
last ran and brought it; in this case he was
always rewarded with some sugar pIums.
You have no notion, said Mr.. Vanneck.
how much time and trouble, and especially,
how much patience, | have bestowed on
the training of this animal Confined to nv
char, however, [ continued my task me-
thodlcally. Nothing was more difficult
than to accustOm Jack to his clothes; he
used to take off his clothes again and again,
until at last had them sewed to his shirt.
W hen he walks out with me, he wears q
straw hat, but never without making fear
fui grlmances. lie takes bath every day,
and ls' on the whole, very cleanly.
Jack" exclaimed Mr.. Vanneck, point
ing to me, "this gentleman wants his hand
kerchief" The monkey drew it from nv
pocket, and handed it to me.
"Now, show your room to my guests
continued his master; and Jack opened a
door, at which he stopped TO let us pass, and
then followed himself. Everything was ex-
tremely tidy in the small room. There was
bed with mattrass, a table. some chairs,
drawers, and various toys; gun hung on a
"on' h0 DeI IuHg, JACK went ana re-
appeared with his master, wheeling in the
chair. Meanwhile, l had taken the gun
from the wall; Mr.. Vanneck handed it to
monkey, who brought the powder-hask and
the shot bag, and in the whole process of
loading acquitted himself like rif1e-man.-
| had already seen so much that was aston
lshlng, that | hardly felt surprised at this
teat. Jack now placed himself at the op-
poslte window, took aim, and discharged
the gun without being in the least startled
by the report. He then went through the
sword exercises with the same skill.
1t would be too long to jot down all Mr..
Vanneck told us about his method of educa-
ton and training; the above facts, witness
ed by myself, bear sufficient evidence of the
abilities of that animal and its masters tai
ent for tuition. We stayed to supper, to