Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1888-08-30
APES Al HOMO.
Their Family Life Observed by Traveller in
Algiers.

Their Family Life Observed by Traveller in
Algiers.
After traversing the greater part OF the
gorge-sll that was worth seeing OF it
we returned to small inn at the entrance
OF an abrupt valley, down which dashes
the turbulent little rivulet called the
Ruisseau des Singes, or monkeys stream.
Here ue ordered dinner, and, while wait
ing for il to be got ready, climbed up the
steep slopes to look for some OF the mon
keys, which wore said to abound ii the
neighborhood. Nor had we to walk far
before we saw them. They were there in
numbers, but appeared timid and unwlll-
ing to be interviewed. A we approached,
they sprang from branch to branch, IN
til they reached the thiokest part OF the
forest, where no doubt they considered
themselves safe from intrusion. My
friends, after Watching them to their
satisfaction, went OF to view whatever
else was to be seen in the vicinity. |
had gone there, however, armed with an
opera glass, determined if possible to
make a close inspection OF the monkeys;
SO crept stealthily to tree with stem
and branches thicn " everhung with ivy,
where | easily found place of conceal
careful inspection that had got no
snakes for my companions, took up my
pocition and waited the result.
For some time was unable to get sight
of any of the objects of my search, al
though l could see the branches of the
trees sweying violently about IN many
places, showing that something was up
among them. But at last nay patience
was rewarded, for number of monkeys,
gradually discarding their tirnidlty, re
turned TO the trees from which they had
retired upon my approach, giving me the
opportunity of closer observation that L
sought for. This change in their de-
meaucr was brought about by the frolics
% thoughtless baby monkey, that es'
capped from its mothers guardianship,
and sprang about in evident enjoyment
of it's forbidden freedom, till at last it
rested in a tree close by me, from which
position no parental warning or blandish.
ments could recall it. In this condition
of affairs maternal affection soon assert
ed itself, aud brought the old one, regard
less of danger TO It's erring child. The
family group ere long became uplted orSs
more, b.t for some time the elders watch
ed the tree where lay hidden with keen
aud scrutinizipg glances, indicating much
distrust. SO close vas | to them that
could, by the aid OF my glass, distinguish
the glaring sharpness of their eyes. AT
length they seemed satisfied that no dan
ger was apprehended, and sprang about
plucking and eating the opening leaf
buds, and amuseing themselves IN differ
ent ways. Theu they hudled together on
d bough to rest and sleep little. There
they sat in perfect quistness, happy
picturesque, aud veSy human IN
it's aspect--one with It's head reclining on
anOther's shoulder and an arm cncircling
it, while firm hold was laid upon the
trulnt youugster, lest when it awoke, 1t
should be Off again and at It's antics.
l have spoken unfortunately of
monkeys in connection with the gorge of
the Chiffa, but they possess no tails and
would be more correctly described Az
apes. The fur of those l saw was boauti-
full and clean, and lOoB ed healthy and
happy, very different from those miser-
able reIitives IN captivity az the Zoo, or
those still worse off, that travel our coun-
try bound with strap and chain ia COM
pany with q wheezy barrel organ and are
made TO disport themselves to its de-
pressing strains in tbs mock attire of
man.
How changed the soeae from that of
their native African forests. 1t was so
peaceful and pleasant that | was losth to
disturb the happy family. But remain
ing long in a constrained position even
while observing nature in her home is not
agreeable, and tends to produce cramp
and other inconvenience, so that / was
obliged at last TO move out of my hiding
place. For a moment the sleeping mon
keys were taken by surprise ard then
they scattered in every direction with
marvellous agility.
l was not the only observer OF the
scene. High up near the mountain top,
pershed upon a lesfless tree, sat two
eagles hungrily cycling the movements OF
their coveted prey. | fancy however,
that as long as the latter keep TO the
woods and avoid the open ground they
must be comparatively safe from the
attack of such. I am aware that the
eagle known as the HAPPY in Brazil, lives
chiefly upon monkeys for its food, yet 1t
cannot swoop down upon them among
the trees or il would got killed By strik-
ing against the branches.
worse enemy to the monkey in the
panther but even that active animal can
not owing 70 it's great weight, reach the
branches where monkey may take