Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/25

Rh panzee was kept," observes Mr. Martin, "the first thing that struck the attention of visitors was its aged appearance, and its resemblance to an old, bent, diminutive Negro.



This appearance of age was much increased by a spare beard of short, white hairs, which was spread over the muzzle, and by the deep wrinkles which furrowed the cheeks. It was not until being informed of its age, which, as proved by its dentition, was in all probability about two years and a half, that a person, ignorant of the natural history of the Chimpanzee, would have considered this specimen in the light of an infant; its actions, however, were those of a child, capable of running about and amusing itself; lively and playful, yet neither mischievous nor petulant; it was alive to everything which took place about it, and examined every object within reach, with an air so considerate and thoughtful, as to create a smile on the face of the gravest spectator."