The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1872-07-12
AGE OF ANIMALS.

In 1869 there was chimpanzee in the
Jardin DIES Plants, at Paris, which was
twenty-four years old. He probably
starved TO death, in common with most
Of the animals, during the seige. Twas
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 70 lodge in separate compartment
OF their cage for 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 cttsntion to
his countrywomen. thus Unexpectedly
found. Their surprise and apparent
fear gradually subsidized, and they stood
watching him attentively, when he
broke out in characteristic pas seul,
which he kept up considerable time,
uttering cries scarcely more hideous
than the notes of Chinese singer, and
not far out of unison with his loudly
beating feet. The Chin maidcns grad.
ually relaxed their reserve as the vivac.
ity of the dance increased until at last,
when it was over, each stealthily put q
hand through the grille, 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 saw him he had came out to
taste the morning air in the large cir
cular inclosure in front of the Palais
des Singes, which was built for tour
poor relations" by NJ. Theirs. Here
Chin began his day by leisurely prom.
enade, casting pleased and thankful
glances towari 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 his
brow, and, taking coat by the tail, ap.
piled the cane sharply to the offenders
ribs, always in direction parallel to
the spine. When he thought sufficient
punishment had been administered, he
disposed of him, without moving a
muscle Of his countenance, by left
handed jerk, which threw coat; high
in the air, head over heels. He came
down sadder and better coat, and re.
tired with shame to distant corner.
Chin then betook himself to his own
tree. A large baboon followed him,
and seated himself upon the next
branch below. This was an unpardon.
able attempt at familiarity. Chin slow.
ly turned his head, measured the dis.
lance, raised his hind foot, and com.