GORILLA

a large man-like ape; which is a native of W. Africa. It can be distinguished from the chimpanzee by the small ears, elongated head, the presence of a deep groove alongside the nostrils, the small size of the thumb, and the great length of the arm, which reaches half-way down the shin-bone in the erect posture. It also differs from the chimpanzee in its greater size; the height of a male G. being from 5% to 6 ft. In color it is blackish, but the hair on the head and shoulders often has a reddish tinge. It is chiefly a vegetable feeder, but, like most apes, it also preys upon small mammals, birds, and their eggs. The G. spends most of its time on the ground, although it is a skillful climber, and is not so very ferocious, for when attacked it generally avoids an encounter, but when driven into a corner is a dangerous enemy on account of its enormous strength. G’s. have not yet been tamed, and fully adult ones have never been seen alive in eaptivity. Various attempts have been made to add one to the Zoological Gardens, but the animals have all died young. (c. 4° 59’ E.), fortified town, on Srecae S. Holland, Netherlands; salmon fisheries; trade in grain, cattle. Pop. 12,500.