Apes play many odd tricks, and try to act like men, for they are very fond of imitating every thing they see. They are also very mischievous, and sometimes spiteful, so they should be either tied up in a safe place or well watched.
Apes are a species of monkeys. They live in a country called Africa, where there are a great many forests, and where the trees are much larger than any in the settled parts of America. The apes can climb to the top of the very tallest trees, and cling to the branches in safety. They are very quick in their motions, and can fling themselves from tree to tree with great readiness, holding on with their long arms and legs. In their native woods, they are very wild; they go on all fours; and sometimes visit the Negroes' huts and fight hard battles with the inhabitants, throwing sticks and branches with great dexterity. They are usually of a dull brown color, but some are black, and others grey. They should be fed upon bread soaked in water, and any kind of fruit that may be convenient to give them; they are very fond of nuts and biscuit, both of which may be given them in moderation.
The bear is found in Europe and North America, but it is among the icy regions around the North Pole, that he attains his greatest size and fierceness. One of his principal modes of attack is the employment of his fore-legs in hugging his enemy, and few creatures can resist the crushing embrace of a large bear.
The people of the cold countries, where he mostly lives, make bedding and clothing of the skins, and either eat the fat or melt it into oil for their lamps. Bears, when at rest, are in the habit of constantly sucking their paws, which curious custom has puzzled many wise men to explain.