The Apes of all kinds had, till then, been roving promiscuously over the country along with wild beasts of every description. The forests being free to all, and likewise the swamps, there was a scene like that of the jungles of Central Africa to-day. Land and water teemed with life, and were animated with struggles for the food of the region. Gigantic lions, tigers, woolly rhinoceroses, mastodons, cave-bears and other savage beasts sported in their favorite element. Serpents were particularly abundant, especially in the great Alligator Swamp, from which they emerged to the high country to catch rabbits and other game. The Apes, which were mostly vegetarians, did not at first interfere with the more savage beasts hunting in these forests; so that there was an endless variety of animals in the region of which we speak. The Apes at this time lived mostly on trees, especially at night. This was necessary on account of the more savage beasts which roamed over the ground. When game became scarce the tigers and some other animals attacked the Apes, and often killed them. The weaker animals which could not climb the trees were generally in danger of becoming the prey of the stronger ones. This arboreal life became in time irksome to the Apes, many of whom had made some progress in methods of living and hunting. These were, accordingly, anxious to acquire a right to the ground, and security in its possession. They had become so large that a fall from a tree was a serious matter. Nor was a tree always convenient to climb when they were in danger. They could not, however, come to the ground while so many savage beasts occupied it. A sleeping ape was liable to suffer death if met by a tiger, especially in recent years when many fights occurred between the two. The Apes, accordingly, conceived the project of ridding the country of the more dangerous animals. There were two principal species of Apes at this time, the Ammi, who afterwards became known as men, and the Lali, who were the enemies of the Ammi on the other side of the swamp; and, though there had come to be marked differences between the two, (of which we shall presently speak,) they were, at this time, both living together as Apes (the Man-Apes of Biology), and were alike interested in ridding the country of the stronger beasts. A council was, accordingly, called to take measures for their common welfare. In this council they gave their respective views without those formalities which now attend such gatherings. They spoke mainly in gestures and growls, which constituted all there was of language then, (articulate speech not having been developed beyond a few broken sounds). One, Shamboo, believed to be the great-grandfather of Sosee, was the acknowledged leader of the Apes, and he directed the deliberations of this assembly. Speaking in the manner indicated, this Ape harangued the multitude to the following effect: