A Hand-book to the Primates, Volume 2 (of 2)Forbes, Henry O. (Henry Ogg)
Science
A Hand-book to the Primates, Volume 2 (of 2)
Forbes, Henry O. (Henry Ogg)
Primates
The Gorilla has the power of moving the scalp freely forward and
backward--as Man in many instances has the power of doing--and, when
enraged, of corrugating his brows and erecting the hair over the central
bony crest "so as to present an indescribably ferocious aspect." He is
capable of emitting a "terrific yell that resounds far and wide through the
forest"; and when shot his cry is like that of a human being in sudden and
acute distress. The Gorilla is very ferocious and never runs away, as the
Chimpanzee does; he advances to attack his enemies, but according to some
observers, however, only when molested, rushing forward in a stooping
attitude, then rising to his feet to strike. He is also credited with
fighting with his teeth, as well as his hands, biting his antagonist, as
the Orangs and the Chimpanzees do. He exhibits great intelligence, though
less, perhaps, than the Chimpanzee.
The females prove affectionate mothers, bravely protecting their young at
the cost of their own lives. "In a recent case," writes Dr. Savage, "the
mother, when discovered, remained upon the tree with her offspring,
watching intently the movements of the hunter. As he took aim, she motioned
with her hand, precisely in the manner of a human being, to have him desist
and go away. When the wound has not proved instantly fatal, they have been
known to stop the flow of blood by pressing with the hand upon the part,
and when this did not succeed to apply leaves and grass."
The food of the Gorilla consists of all sorts of forest and cultivated
produce; but the top of the fruiting stem of the oil-palm (_Elais
guineensis_), the Papaia (_Carica_), and plantains {187}appear to be the
fruits he most appreciates. Its dexterity in captivity in eating from
utensils of civilised life is particularly remarkable, as Dr. Falkenstein
records of a Gorilla he had alive for a considerable period. "He took up
every cup or glass with instinctive care, clasped the vessel with both
hands, and set it down again so softly and carefully that I cannot remember
his breaking a single article.... He drank by suction, stooping over the
vessel without even putting his hands into it or upsetting it, and in the
case of smaller vessels he carried them to his mouth.... When he was
anxious to obtain anything, no child could have expressed its wishes in a
more urgent and caressing manner." When he was refused anything he had
recourse to cunning, and looked anxiously to see if he was watched, and it
was "impossible not to recognise a deliberate plan and careful
calculation." When he had done what he had been forbidden or prevented from
doing, "his whole behaviour made it clear that he was conscious of
transgressing." The Gorilla is said by Dr. Savage to be very filthy in its
habits, but Dr. Falkenstein's observations disagree with this statement. On
this point the latter says "his cleanliness was remarkable."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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