R. L. Garner.
BY
R. L. GARNER
With an Introduction by
EDWARD EVERETT HALE
Boston, U.S.A., and London
GINN & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS
The Athenæum Press
Entered at Stationers’ Hall
Copyright, 1900
By GINN & COMPANY
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
24.12
[Pg iii]
This volume is the natural product of many years devoted by the authorto studying the speech and habits of monkeys. That naturally led himup to the study of the great apes. The matter contained in this workis chiefly a record of the tabulated facts gleaned from his specialfield of research. The aim in view is to convey to the casual reader amore correct idea than now prevails concerning the physical, mental,and social habits of apes and monkeys and to prepare him for a widerappreciation of animals in general.
The favorable conditions under which the writer has been placed, in thestudy of these animals in the freedom of their native jungle, have nothitherto been enjoyed by any other student of nature.
A careful aim to avoid all technical terms and scientific phraseologyhas been studiously adhered to, and the subject is treated in thesimplest style consistent with its dignity. Tedious details arerelieved by an ample supply of anecdotes taken from the writer’s ownobservations. Most of the acts related are those of his own pets. Afew of[Pg iv] them are of apes in a wild state. The author has carefullyrefrained from abstruse theories or rash deductions, but has soughtto place the animals here treated of in the light to which their ownconduct entitles them, allowing the reader to draw his own conclusions.
The author frankly confesses to his own belief in the psychic unity ofall animate nature. Believing in a common source of life, a common lawof living, and a common destiny for all creatures, he feels that todignify the apes is not to degrade man but rather to exalt him.
Believing that a more perfect knowledge of these animals will bringman into closer fellowship and deeper sympathy with nature, and withan abiding trust that it will widen the bounds of humanity and causeman to realize that he and they are but common links in the one greatchain of life, the author gives this work to the world. When once manis impressed with the consciousness that in some degree, however small,all creatures think and feel, it will lessen his vanity and ennoble hisheart.
THE AUTHOR
[Pg v]