THE MONKEYS OF GIBRALTAR.
[To THE EDITOR Or THE "SPECTATOR."] ' SiR,—The statement (quoted in the Spectator of Septem- ber 8th) that the monkeys—or rather apes—have dis- appeared from Gibraltar is, as you most naturally hoped, untrue. They have unfortunately dwindled in numbers until now there are only four, or possibly six, remaining. The authorities, from the Governor downwards, are most anxious to preserve them. It is thought that the introduotion of fresh blood from the African coast will be of advantage ; and accordingly arrangements were made this summer to get a pair of Barbary apes from Tetuan. These have been sent over most kindly by the British Consul, Mr. Bewicke ; but the male, being teased by the four residents while he was recovering from the effects of the voyage and being habituated to his new surroundings, fell from a wall and died from con- cussion of the brain. One of my foremen, Mr. Prendergast, has arranged for another pair, which are daily expected. After they have been here a little time, they and the survivor of the first pair will be turned out to resume their wild life. Meanwhile, they will be in an enclosure which is constantly visited by the resident apes, who by no means confine them- selves to the west of the Rock. About a fortnight ago they were in the "Trafalgar Cemetery" just outside the Southport Gate. In the evenings they are most frequently on the western side, and in the early morning on the eastern ; but their movements are constantly varying.—I am, Sir, &c., E. R. KENYON, Colonel,
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