172 MOSTLY MAMMALS 



the inferior representatives of the human race — three of 

 them have developed peculiarities in this respect which 

 entitle them to be regarded as among the most extraordinary 

 of all four-footed beasts. And not the least remarkable 

 circumstance in connection with these nasal eccentricities 

 is that the two extremes are found in members of a 

 single group inhabiting widely distant and completely 

 isolated areas. 



Before referring to the species displaying these remark- 

 able peculiarities, it will be well to briefly refer to their 

 nearest relatives. These are most familiarly known by 

 the sacred Hanuman monkey, or langur, of India, which 

 is one of a large group of species inhabiting most of the 

 Oriental countries ; one kind, the Himalayan langur, being 

 found at a considerable elevation in the outer hills of the 

 mighty range from which it takes its name. And in winter, 

 or early spring, these large grey monkeys may frequently 

 be seen disporting themselves among pines heavily laden 

 with snow. As distinctive features of the langurs, reference 

 may be made to their slim build, long hind-legs and tail, 

 and the absence of pouches in the cheeks for the storage 

 of food. Their hair is long and coarse, and may be of 

 any colour from slaty grey to bright foxy red or black. 

 All have, for monkeys, fairly well-formed noses, of ordinary 

 dimensions. Unlike the majority of the members of their 

 order, they feed on leaves in preference to fruits ; and, as 

 showing how similarity of habit gives rise to similarity of 

 structure (or, if the reader so please, vice versa), it is inter- 

 esting to note that the langurs have complex stomachs, 

 strikingly similar to those of sheep and ruminants in 

 general ; most other monkeys having simple stomachs of 

 the normal type. 



As already mentioned, the three species of monkeys 



