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HUNTING BABOONS

The stronghold of the Baboons is in Nubia and Abyssinia on the East side of the African Continent. The baboons do not climb trees, but live among the rocks. In one respect the baboons differ from other animals. They have carried out the ideas of organization for protection to a high degree, and in our land only the bees and ants can compare with them. The early history of the baboon family must have been one of great danger and struggle, for such conditions soon teach any animal tribe that their safety lies in unity.

The colonies of baboons seem to have regular leaders, and then a few still higher leaders and one supreme head, generally a powerfully built old male. The baboons live in large bands among the rocks on the hillsides, and they are greatly dreaded by the natives. They will not molest a traveller unless he comes too close, or is armed, but at times they will raid the villages or the gardens in large numbers, and the killed and wounded on both sides show how fierce has been the fighting.

Some naturalists travelling in Abyssinia were most anxious to get specimens of these dog-like apes. They took experienced native hunters with them, and travelled all night towards the hills, and before sun-rise they had reached the hunting ground.

When the morning mists broke the hunters saw the apes scrambling about the rocks. It seemed as though the whole colony was simply a large scattered band, and the naturalists were inclined to disbelieve all the stories the natives had told them. But the native's information, as usual, was right, and in a few minutes proof was at hand.

Suddenly one of the baboons caught sight of the party of hunters, and it gave a peculiar bark. Instantly the whole colony was in an uproar. The baboons rushed to and fro, apparently in great confusion, but it was soon clear that they were gathering the females and young ones together. These retreated hastily to safety among the higher rocks, and a number of males went along to act as rear guard. Then the remainder, all full grown apes, under the leadership of a huge fellow, advanced to the attack. Never in their lives had the naturalists heard such barking and yelling. They had planted themselves near some large rocks in the best position, as they thought, but the apes advanced steadily upon them.