CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 



83 



In consequence of their youth and sportive manners they are frequently kept in a domesti- 

 cated state, both by the native Indians and by European settlers. Like several other small 

 monkeys, the Capucin often strikes up a friendship for other animals that may happen to live 

 in or near its home, the cat being one of the most favored of their allies. Sometimes it carries 

 its familiarity so far as to turn the cat into a steed for the nonce, and, seated upon her back, 

 to perambulate the premises. More unpromising subjects for equestrian exercise have been 

 pressed into the service by the Capucin. Humboldt mentions one of these creatures which 

 was accustomed to catch a pig every morning, and, mounting \ipon its back, to retain its seat 

 during the day. Even while the pig was feeding in the savannahs its rider remained firm, and 

 bestrode its victim with as much pertinacity as Sindbad's old man of the sea. 



CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 



There is some difficulty in settling the species of the Capucins, for their fur is rather vari- 

 able in tint, in some cases differing so greatly as to look like another species. The general 

 tint of the CAPUCIN is a golden olive, a whiter fur bordering the face in some individuals, 

 though not in all. 



The HORNED CAPUCIN is much more conspicuous that the last-mentioned animal, as the 

 erect fringe of hair that stands so boldly from the forehead points it out at once. When 

 viewed in front, the hair assumes the appearance of two tufts or horns, from which peculiarity 

 the creature derives its name. These horns are not fully developed until the monkey has 

 attained maturity. 



In color, too, it is rather different from the Capucin, having a constant tinge of red in it. 

 The fur is mostly of a deep brown, but in some individuals resembles that peculiar purple 

 black which is obtained by diluting common black ink with water, while in others the ruddy 

 hue prevails so strongly as to impart a chestnut tint to the hair. The fringed crest is tipped 

 with gray. 



