Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1872-07-11
AGE OF ANIMALS.

In 1869 there was chimpanzee in the
Jardin des Plants, at Paris. which was
twenty-four years old. He probably
starved to death, in common with most
of the animals, during the seige. was
IN London in 1864, when, having land
ed in Plymouth, Chin stopped for two
days at the Geological Gardens in Re.
gents Park, on his way to Paris. He
was then nearly ten. There were two
female Chims there, and he was allow
ed to lodge in a separate compartment
OF their cage for a couple of nights.
On his appearance, both of these young
ladies uttered cries of recognition. He
had scarcely felt the floor under his
feet when he began to pay attention to
his countrywomen. thus unexpectedly
found. Their surprise and apparent
fear gradually subsidized, and they stood
watching him attentively, when he
broke out IN a characteristic pas seuL
which he kept up considerable tine,
uttering cries scarcely more hideous
than the notes of a Chinese singer, and
not far out of unison with his loudly
beating feet. The Chin maidens grad
ually relaxed their reserve as the vivac-
ity of the dance increased until at last,
when it was over, each stealthily put
hand through the grillo, and welcomed
their friend and brother.
Chin thenceforth, during his stay,
made himself as agreeable as possible
and, when the time for his departure
came, the maidens exhibited the live
lest regret, even to tears, at losing him.
The climate and diet of Paris agreed
with him. He had his daily walks, ate
the choicest dishes, drank his pint of
Bordeaux every day, used fork and
spoon at his meals, enjoyed excellent
health, and, though somewhat sobered
and slightly gray at his advanced age
two years ago, showed no symptoms of
decay. 1t is to be hoped that he es-
capped the distress of the siege, If for
no other reason than to settle the long
disputed point of the age to which
monkeys may attain.
Before proceeding to my subject, let
me tell an anecdote of Chin. The last
time l saw him he had came out to
taste the morning air in the large cir
cular Enclosure in front of the Palais
DIES Singes, which was built for "our
poor relations" by NJ. Theirs. Here
Chin began his day by leisurely prom
enade, casting pleased and thankful
chances toward the early summer sun.
He had three coatimundis attending
him: and while making all manner of
eyes at young person who was supply
ing him with cakes and pastry, one OF
the former dealt him from behind q
stealthy bite. Chin looked round with
establishment at this audacious outrage
on his person, exhibited no anger, but
walked deliberately to the other side Of
the circle, and seized cane. He re
turned, with majestic wrath upon hi
brow, and, taking coat by the tail, ap
piled the cane sharply to the offender
ribs, always in direction parallel t.
the spine. When he thought suficien
punishment had been administered, he
disposed of him, without moving |
muscle of his countenance, by left
handed Jerk, which threw coat higl
in the air, head over heels. He cam
down sadder and better coat, and re
tired with shame to distant corner
Chin then betook himself to his owl
tree. A large baboon followed him
and seated himself upon the mex
able attempt at familiarity. Chin slow
" turned his head, measured the dis
lance, raised his hind foot, and com
posedly kicked the. intruder in tn
arena below. To what perfection OF de
yelopment of thought Chin Nigh
have came at last is doubtful; but
he still lives, one will doubtless ask o
him. as an African Prince asked of d.
Chaillu, after long looking at al
orang-outang, Master, does he speal
English yet? p
There are instances of lions having
reached the age of 70 years: Pompey
who died in the tower OF London, L
1850, was nearly an octogenarian., ID
was forest-born. But of the 3l9 whelp