The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1882-08-03
A Migration OF Monkeys.

keys began to occupy the trees which
grew along the margin of the Kurialli
river. By degrees the interior of the
forest became entirely deserted. Then
for the first time learned that an an
nual migration took place, owing to the
lack of food In the forest at this season
of the year; for every edible particle had
been searched out and devoured by these
intelligent and, in this respect, industri-
GUS creatures. Yet l could hardly be-
lieve they meditated crossing the wide
river; for wide it comparatively was even
at this its narrowest part, where the
monkeys were congregating in such vast
numbers.
This information 1 derived from q
seminude, wandering joyce, or Hindu
devotee, who, to the practice of mendi-
cancy, added what he was pleased to
term the science of astrology; and for
the most part obtained subsistence by
working on the credulity of his fellow
countrymen.
81 have roamed these forest tracts for
many years." he said in answer to ques-
of mine, "and am bound to be present
when these my children"--pointing to
the throngs of monkeys-"cr the
Kurialli, for they will need my SER
vices.
"Indeed," replied. pray. tell me
in what way you propose to help them
For naturally concluded that, during
his long residence in the jungles, living
as it were with wild animals for his
nsighbors and constant visitors, circum-
stances in connection with them must
have come under his notice. likely to
prove both interesting and curious.
II will with pleasure, sir" responded
the native. "You are aware there is just
now dearth in the land my children
inhabit. This will continue for the space
of two months, that is, till the rains set
in; then the roots of the plants, ETC., on
which they thrive will again become
plentiful. In the meantime. those that
can get safely across the river will find
food on that sandy expanse that you see
in the distance covered with low thorny
bushes, which at this period produces in
perfection the sweet-tasted bher-berries.
'sBut you have not told me how you
will assist such vast numbers" l
remarked. II feel sure many will be
drowned"
"a few will no doubt lose their lives, :"
answered tho man, "for the river Is
swarming with alligators, who appear to
know that my children are collecting on
the banks. and are in hopes Of swapping
up some Of them when they go down to
drink. But as matter of fact, the poor
creatures are only waiting for my per-
mission to cross. will direct them to
do 90 as soon as have ascertained q
propitious moment, one in which nearly
all the alligators will be asleep; and they
will thus be able to swim to the other
side in comparative safety"
"You are really remarkable man." I
said somewhat ironically. Perhaps you
will kindly let me know when you intend
giving this signal, as should very much
ike to watch so extraordinary specta-
Gle. Bucksheosh. too, for yourself will
be forthcoming"
II e,all be sure to inform your
honor" replied my sable friend with
much politeness, and with that he stalked
importantly away"
Il was probable that in bygone years,
the willy devotees had witnessed at least
q dozen such crossings; hence 1t seemed
to me very likely that, by accurately OBJ
serving certain signs and indications in
the behavior of the monkeys, he was
able to tell to nicely the exact moment
the creatures would enter the water.
using this knowledge for his own glori-
fcation, he pretended to be gifted with
preternatural powers, and had but
little doubt that the ignorant and super
stitious natives who lived in the vicinity
were thoroughly impressed with the idea
that the migration took place under his
immediate superintendence, and at his
express word Of command.
Next morning. just Is the first stre9ks
Of dawn we're reddening the sky. was
reused from my plumbers by strident
voice calling out, 'Sahib! sahib!"
.sWhat is the matter?" I exclaimed,
somewhat drowsily and unamiably.
I'm about quarter Of an hour shall
give my children the signal to cross. II
you wish 70 witness the scene you must
make haste.
n tho above sentences recognized
~ accents Of my friend Of the previous
day. 6pringin9 out Of bed, dressed az
oI3okly = could. Very soon emerged
6om ~ lint and made my way to the
river bank, which was about 100 yards
o. - distant.
The old dsvotes, full Of importance,
w sanding on the margin with 10
- natives around him. A. ap.
pgonched him, he pointed hither and
thi1het Tor my edincation; and the sight
w a. amazing one. Lining the bauh
q ~ river for over milo ON each side
4 ~ A. a. H.