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HUNTING BABOONS

hunter. The chase was long and stern, and the hunter, at last, was compelled to drop the baby ape, but even this did not suffice, for a large band of males still pursued him.

The hunter, in his desperation, drew his two revolvers, and prepared to defend himself. The apes closed in on him and leaped upon him and though he fired quickly and accurately it availed him nothing, for he was literally torn to pieces. The apes hung around the blood stained spot for a few minutes, and then turned and went quickly back to their hills.

There are several kinds of baboons, and all walk on their four hands, and have powerful teeth, and bark something like dogs. The fiercest, largest and most terrible of the family is the Mandrill. This ape's face has brilliant blue and red streaks on the cheeks making it look very hideous.

Baboons are awfully quarrelsome and have great battles among themselves, but still they cease all their wranglings when a common enemy comes in sight. They live alone, and allow no other animals to come near them.

African travellers state that while one baboon is not such a terrible creature, a band of them are more than a match for any single other creature in their country. This traveller had never heard of a case of baboons actually killing a lion, but nevertheless it is a fact that the mighty "King of Beasts" does not go out of its way to pick a quarrel with these powerful apes.

All baboons feed on fruit and nuts and roots, and never touch flesh. In their anger they may tear their enemy to pieces, but they will not eat the flesh. On the other hand the baboons are very gentle wit their mates, and will fight to the death to protect them. They often play with their baby apes, like grown up people.