Dr. T. Cantor on a species of Semnopitliecus. 337- 



in. 



Length from the tip of the nose to the root of the tail ... 2 1^ 



From vertex to ditto 1 9^ 



Length of the arm 1 ^ 



of the hand 4^ 



of the leg 1 2 



of the foot 6 



of the tail 2 2^ 



The dentition is similar to that of Semnopithecus maurus, 

 Horsfield. With old age the external margin of the iris turns 

 gray, and forms what in the human eye is denominated arcus 

 senilis. From the peculiar structure of the stomach of the Sem- 

 nopithecs. Professor Owen has expressed an opinion, that their 

 food consisted of leaves and tender buds of trees, rather than of 

 fruits and roots, the food of ordinary monkeys (Zoolog. Transact, 

 vol. i.). Dr. Horsfield has recorded that S. maurus during its 

 young state feeds on tender leaves, and when adult on wild fruits 

 (Zool. Researches in Java). The author of the above-quoted in- 

 teresting work upon Monkeys (vol. i. p. 214) has pointed out the 

 peculiarity of the molar teeth of the Semnopithecs being tritu- 

 rated at an early period, and justly infers a longitudinal grinding 

 motion from front to rear. The present species, as well as S, 

 cristatus, exhibits an additional peculiarity about the teeth, which 

 at an early age become covered with a dark brown crust similar 

 to that observed in ruminating animals. The food of the present 

 species consists of leaves, tender buds of different kinds of trees 

 as well as of soft fruit ; and the occasional visits of foraging par- 

 ties in nutmeg and coffee plantations and gardens is anything but 

 welcome to the owners. In its adult state, this, like other Sem- 

 nopithecs, is sullen and morose, and is scarcely susceptible of do- 

 mestication. Such however is by no means the case during early 

 age. A young male, some months in my possession, appeared 

 immediately reconciled to his new mode of life, allowed himself 

 to be handled, and showed he was not insensible of caresses. But 

 being tied up and left in solitude he showed a gentle impatience 

 by a most melancholy cry, repeating slowly the syllable " 0," 

 and stretching its arms towards the nearest person, with whom 

 he would remain quiet, frequently throwing its arms round his 

 keeper^s neck. When disturbed by a sudden movement, or when 

 about being removed from his chosen seat, he would recommence 

 his lamentations. In short he expressed a decided aversion to 

 solitude and neglect. He frequently used to be in my lap or sit 

 on my shoulder while I was reading, and as he was remarkably 

 cleanly, these indulgences were readily granted. As already ob- 

 served of others of this genus by the author of ' Nat. Hist, of 

 Monkeys,^ &c., he manifested a great indisposition to action, and 



