THE INTELLIGENT BABOON.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3332, 10 November 1919, Page 2

THE INTELLIGENT BABOON.

A Rhodesian reader sends the Morning Post a note on the almost human intelligence shown by South Afr-iean baboons. A troop of baboons has its e'vn particular dist».--.:1, on wni-.n 1:.) other troop will encroach. The baboon is a great pest owing to its habit of raiding ripening crops. Scouts always precede a raiding party, and :send back warning if the ‘ield is tguarded. Sentries are posted ... trees [round the spot chosen for the raid while the troop gets to work on the grain. The sentries are relieved from time to time to enable them to join in the feast. Meetings of the patriarchs are held in the evenings on the rocks at the top of the home kopje. These old fellows sit round in a solemn circle, apparently discussing the affairs of the tribe. Youngsters butting in are promptly cuffed and sent about their business. Baboon mothers put their naughty. babies across their knees and spank them. just. as a human mother sapzinlrg her \troublesolne oifsipring, and the cries of the punished one greatly resemble those of human infants. The corresponident, whilst Watching baboons,frequently found himself imagining that lhe was witnessing a scene from the iives of our old cave ancestors.