a singular amount of strength, even so as to suspend the entire weight of the 

 animaL 



In ascending trees or traversing the branches, the monkeys continually aid 

 their progress by twining the end of the tail round the neighbouring boughs. 

 Sometimes they even suspend themselves wholly by their tails, and after giving 

 their bodies a few oscillating movements, boldly swing themselves from one 

 branch to another, clearing considerable spaces in the effort. On account of 

 these capabilities, the tail is known by the name of " prehensile." 



The spider monkeys can apply the tail to uses far more remarkable than any of 

 those which have been mentioned. With such singularly delicate sense of touch 

 is it furnished, that it almost seems to be possessed of the power of sight, and 

 moves about among the branches with as much decision as if there were an eye 

 in its tip. Should the monkey discover some prize, such as a nest of eggs, or any 

 little dainty, which lies in a crevice too small for the hand to enter, it is in nowise 

 disconcerted, but inserts the end of its tail into the cranny, and hooks out the 

 desired object. 



Owing to the great length of limbs and comparatively small dimensions of the 

 hands and body, these creatures are generally known by the name of Spider Monkeys, 



The spider monkeys, are very gentle, docile creatures, and easily tamed. One 

 of these creatures, named Sally, was a personal acquaintance of my own, and was 

 really a most engaging creature. Her length of limb was astonishing, and 



28 



