CHACMA

chacma, the hottentot name of the cape baboon, _papio porcarius_, a species inhabiting the mountains of south africa as far north as the zambezi. of the approximate size of an english mastiff, this powerful baboon is blackish grey in colour with a tinge of green due to the yellow rings on most of the hairs. unlike most of its tribe, it is a good climber; and where wooded cliffs are not available, will take up its quarters in tall trees. chacmas frequently strip orchards and fruit-gardens, break and devour ostrich eggs, and kill lambs and kids for the sake of the milk in their stomachs.