The engraving of this animal, in Dr. Abel’s work on China, was immediately recognized by the natives; and his interesting account accords with the generally observed habits. Excepting in intellectual development, I do not consider the orang-utan so closely resembles the human species as the _Hylobates syndactyla_, or Ungka ape, which walks more erect; and, in its internal anatomy, is more closely allied to the human race. Being desirous of gaining some information respecting the usual height these animals attain, I consulted several persons who had visited Borneo, one of whom had been for some time a prisoner in the interior: the greatest elevation the animal had been seen was four feet three or four inches; at first it was stated to be eight feet, but, on further explanation, it was found the animal had been measured with the arms elevated above the head, which of course made a material difference. Its most usual height is from two and a half to three feet, when erect. These animals can be procured with facility, at Borneo, for one or two dollars; but, if not procured young, little dependence can be placed on their surviving, as they become so strongly attached to their masters, that a separation will cause them to pine and die. The animal at Mr. Davis’s improved in health in a few days, but never evinced any inclination to cultivate the acquaintance of strangers; he was much attached to a Malay female, and a little Malay boy, who resided in the same house with him, and the latter was his principal playmate. Society in Batavia is a dead letter; bachelors smoking and drinking parties are, in many instances, common; ruining the health, and occasioning the death of many, particularly strangers. The cause of frequent mortality is, in many instances, attributed to climate, that should be laid to the charge of imprudence. From the little I saw of the Batavian ladies, when returning from church in their gay equipages, they were not particularly attractive; the majority were tinged with a dark hue, probably _sun-burnt_; few can talk any language but Javanese and Dutch; so there would be some difficulty for a stranger to judge of their intellectual powers. Bonnets not being fashionable in this country, an excellent view was afforded of their attractions. Some had four horses to their chariots, and a number of black servants perched up behind, according to the wealth or rank of the personage. The Chinese are the principal artificers of the place, the Javanese preferring a military life; the Chinese are also the cultivators of the plantations and manufacturers of sugar, &c. Many of them may now be seen driving about in their carriages, possessed of great wealth, and owners of large estates, who arrived not many years since, pennyless; several large estates on the island are also owned by British subjects resident in England, having agents or superintendents here to look after them.