THE MONA. 



41 



it presents an appearance so unpleasantly suggestive of a toasted child, that horrid ideas of 

 cannibalism arise in the mind, and even a stomach sharpened by hunger revolts from the 

 unsightly banquet. 



The well-known Mona monkey belongs to the same genus as the foregoing animals. All 

 the long-tailed African monkeys are termed Monas by the Moors. On account of its green, 

 maroon, gray, and white fur, it is sometimes called the Variegated Monkey. Little is known 

 of its habits in a state of nature, and accounts of its captive character vary as much as is 

 usually found in similar cases. On the authority of one writer, who speaks from personal 

 experience, we are told that the adult Mona is savage and irritable ; while another, who also 

 writes from personal observation, tells us that the Mona is gentle, and devoid of petulance or 

 malice, its excellent disposition remaining unaltered by age. 



THE PAT AS. CercopUAecu* ruber. 



One of these animals, which passed several years in Europe, was remarkable for its amiable 

 temper ; and although by no means free from the little mischievous and pilfering habits that 

 are so inextricably interwoven in the monkey nature, was so quiet and gentle as to be left at 

 perfect liberty. He was an adept at unlocking boxes and examining their contents, could 

 unravel the intricacies of a knot, and was possessed of a hand dexterous and nimble at picking 

 pockets. The last-named occupation seemed to afford peculiar gratification, which was in- 

 creased by the fact that his visitors were accustomed to carry nuts, cakes, and other delicacies 

 in their pockets, on purpose for the monkey to find them there. 



Many specimens of this animal have been brought to Europe, and their disposition seems 

 to vary according to the temperament of their owner. Monkeys are very sensitive animals, 

 and take much of their tone of character from that of the person with whom they are most 

 familiar. 



They seem to be affected almost instantaneously by predilection or antipathy, and on their 

 first interview with a stranger, will evince either a satisfaction at, or objection to, his presence, 

 which they will maintain for ever afterwards. I have often watched this propensity, and seen 

 the same animal come voluntarily and offer itself to be caressed by one person, while the very 

 approach of another would set it chattering with anger. It may be that the animal is actuated 

 simply by caprice ; but the more rational mode of accounting for such an action, is to suppose 

 that the fine instincts which are implanted in its nature, enable it to discover its true friends 

 at a glance without the trouble of testing them. 



