New-York tribune., 1891-12-27
CHACMAS AND BABOONS.
From Tho Scientific American.

From Tho Scientific American
had often heard that baboons appreciate fire.
though they cannot make IT. party had been pick
nicking In some woods and In one part was q steep
descent crossed by bold hedges of rock THAT made a
series Of steps down spring below. THIS place was
fixed capital one to dine in, and large fire
During the afternoon the party broken up and all
dispersed, but considerable fire was left, some OF
that one Of the ladies had left her shawl or some other
article one Of tho ledges and several OF the gentle
On arriving at the spot they we're startled 10 find
the ledge where the lire left with new set Of oc-
cupants. number OF baboOns had seated themselves
near the fire, and some were engaged III pushing the
vOurcd the pieces Of bread rice and varied scraps left
from the dinner Luckily tue missing article had been
dropped the upper ledge and thc spectators did not
llger long in such dangerous vicinity to these unlI-
vlted guests. Some farm hands who went there late
In the evening found the baboons still chatterinG
round the burning embers.
feroclous depredators. They pay no heed to them
unless the dog has the emcity to for the chacma,
attack second time. Native guardians are little
better for the chacmas. with their patience and cum
and gain their ends in the long run, in spite Of them
The scTeechings aud yengs they make when disturbed
in their haInts are enough to Iigten any one within
down dangerously your head you apt ~ take
to your heels, happy il the scrcechng monsters do not
During my residence in the East. had fine young
chacma given me, about three years old lie grew
rapidly, and In about year he was large Gnd dan
cerous animal TO strangers, though very tans with
lie would sit beside playing like child, but let
one come into the room man or boy, and he raised
standing out, made hide0us faces and showed his
powerful teeth. enough to ntimidate any one, but a
few geUte words from me caincd him. Fearing some
accident had large iron chain attached 10 a thick
ring and passed round his body and this fastened
by strong bolt driven into tree.
Mr Je1n Louis, rs he was call a, took all quietly,
but OH the first chance he got sOi le br lc link
In the chain with stone IN the MANNER a
nnnan betng would NO II. yet The hbks rreIc t.rk
as the little finger of a man shand on my return
with "A friend / found him up III q Ia D'iad lft,'t
tree The sight d a stranger s. excited him he be-
gan peitng with the heavy fruit, pretty danger
Gus missiles when sent with so accurate an aim that
we had d seek shelter t) avoid then. Mg frieEd
treated precipitatey, but when ! alone I soon
had Jean Louis down under control. lie was always
he set to work with the irnpatience Of child 10
examine my pockets, as | always brought him a
banana, guava other fruit.
Ills curiosity great also his initiative faculties
once he watched me attenuvely make hole with n
gmlet and insert "a screw with screwd driver ana lie
did the same fairly well. He could drive a nail as
well as ! could, draw cork nom bottle aud drink
wine from glass. and / believe could have taught
him almost anything save speech. the only
male he would allow To approach him, but he never
feroclous looks however, were enorsi TO deter any
woman from going near him. IL was my intention
10 bring him With me 10 America. but circumstances
A few days before | set sail Jean i.ous got loose
and made for the Cathedral and began tearing of the
clapboards. Seeing the door Open he walked In and
went 10 the pulpit 10 the horror Of the sexton. who
then caught sight of him. lie seized AMI tore the
velvet cushions, and wien an attempt was made 10
dslodge him. he nung the Bible and prayerbook al
him and fairly drove him from the building.
The police were called. and two men vita ioadcd