Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-05-24
Tn. m.n-pronkey OF Brazil.

The M.n-nonl<oy OF Brazil.
The captain of the French schooner Andriene,
who last summer was stationed at Pernambuco,
Brazil, gives AS the following sketch Of a tame
monkey:
A short time ago, dined at Brazilian mer-
chants The conversation turned upon the we'll
tutored chimpanzee of MIR. Vanneck, creole
gentleman, whose slave had brought him the
monkey, which he had caught in thewood. Every
one praised the accomplished animal, giving ac-
counts of its talents SO wonderful, that | could
not help expressing some incredulity. My host
smiled, saying that was not the first one who
would not believe in these results of animal edu-
cation until he had seen it with his own eyes.
He therefore proposed to me to call with him on
Mr. vanneck. | gladly consented, and on the
following morning we set ont. The house of the
creole lies on the road to Olinda, about an hours
ride from town We proceeded along splendid
hedges Of cactus, shaded by bananas and palm
trees, and ut length observed the charming villa.
A negro received US at the entrance, and took us
to the paror, Fastening to tell his master OF our
visit The first object which caught our atten-
ton was the monkey, seated on stool, and sew
ing with great industry. Much struck, watch
ed him attentively, while he, not paying any at
tention to us, proceeded with his work. The
door opened, and Mr. Vanneck, reclining on
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 wonderful for the
manner and processes of the animal were those
of a practised taylor. He was sewing pair Of
striped pantaloons, the narrow shape of which
showed that they were intended for himself.
A negro now appeared, announcing Madame
Jasmin, whom Mr.. Vanneck introduced his
neighbor Madame Jasmin was accompanied by
her little daughter, girl Of twelve years; who
Immediately ran to the monkey, greeting him as
an old friend, and beginning to Prattle with him.
Jack furtvely peeped at his master; but as MIR.
Vanneck's glance was stern, the taylor went on
sewing Suddenly his thread broke, and he put
the end to his mouth, smoothed it with his lips,
twisted it with his left paw, and threaded the
needle again Mr.. Vanneck then turned to him,
and speaking in the same calm tone in which he
had conyersed with us: "Jack, put your work
aside, and sweep the floor"
Jack hurried to an adjoining room, and came
back without delay, broom in his paw, and
swept and busted like clever housemaid.
could now perfectly make out his size, as he al
WAYS walked upright, not on his four hands. His
was about three feet in height, but stopped a lit
tie. He was clad in linen pantaloons, colored
shirt, a Jacket, and red handkerchief. At an
other hint from his master, Jack went and
brought several glasses of lemonade on a tray.
He first presented the tray to Madame Jasmin
and he daughter, then to us, precisely like
well-bred footman. When ] had emptied my
glass he fastened to relieve me from it, putting
Il back on the tray Mr.. Vanneck took out his
watch. and showed it to the monkey; it was just
three. Jack went and brought cup of broth to
his master, who remarked that the monkey did
not know the movements of the watch, but that
he knew exactly the position of the hands when
they pointed to three, and kept it in mind that It
was then his master wanted his luncheon. If
the watch was shown to him at any other hour,
he did not go to fetch the BROTH while if three
O'Clock was past without the luncheon being
called for, he got fgety, and at last ran and
brought it; in this case, he was always rewarded
with some sugar plums.
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 my chair, however, con-
tinued nv task methodically. 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 When he
walks out with me, he wears straw hat, but
never without making fearful grimaccs. He takes
bath every day, and is, on the whole, very
clearly.
.Jack," exclaimed Mr. yanneck, pointing to
me. eths gentleman wants his handkerchief. I"
The monkey drew it from my pocket, and handed
il to me-
"Now, show your room to my guests con-
tnued his master; and Jack opened a door, at
which he stopped to let us pass, and then followed
himself Everything was extremely tidy in the
small room. There was bed with mattress, q
table, some chairs, drawers, and various toys; a
gun hung on wall. The beHrung, Jack went
and reappeared with his master, wheeling in the
chair. Meanwhile, had taken the gun from the
wall; Mr.. vanneck handed it to the monkey, who
fetched the powder-fask and the shot-bag, and in
the whole process Of loading acquitted himself
like rifeman. / had already seen so much that
was astonishing, that ! hardly felt surprised at
this feat. Jack now placed himself at the open
window, took aim, and discharged the gun with,
out being in the least startled by the report, He
then went through sword exercises with tho same
skill.
II would be too long TO jot down all Mr. Van
neck told us about his method Of education and
training the above facts, witnessed by myself
bear sufficient evidence Of the abilities Of the
animal, and it's masters talent for tuition. We
stayed TO supper, to which there came some more
ladies and gentlemen Jack again exhibited his
cleverness, in waiting at which he acquitted him
self as well any man servant. Going home,
my companion missed small bottle Of sweets,
out of which he had RECALLED the monkey with
almonds Jack had managed to steal it frsm the
pocket and on being afterwards convicted OF the
theft, he was severely punished by his master.
Daria Tn for Nav.