86 THE MARIMONDA. 
twigs of the air-bathed branches. But when both animals are subjected to cireum- 
stances which are directly opposed to their natural mode of existence, they become alike 
awkward, and alike afford subjects of mirth. 
The mode by which a spider monkey walks on level ground is rather singular, and 
difficult to describe, being different from that which is employed by the large apes. They 
do not set the sole of either paw, or hand, flat upon the ground, but, turning the hinder 
feet inwards, they walk upon their outer sides. The reverse process takes place with the 
fore-paws, which are twisted outwards, so that the weight of the animal is thrown upon 
their inner edges. 
It will easily be seen how very awkward an animal must be which is forced to 
employ so complicated a means 7 the purpose of locomotion, Although it has been 
already stated that the spider monkey has been known to walk in a manner much more 
steady than that of any other monkey, yet it must be remembered that this bipedal pro- 
gression was only employed for a few paces, and with a haven of rest in view in the shape 
of a window-sill, on which the creature could rest its hands. 
MARIMONDA.—Ateles Bélzebuth. 
In captivity, the Marimonda is a gentle and affectionate animal, attaching itself 
strongly to those persons to whom it takes a fancy, and playing many fantastic gambols 
to attract their attention. Its angry feelings, although perhaps easily roused, “do not 
partake of the petulant malenity which so often characterizes the monkey race, and are 
quite free from the rancorous vengeance which is found in the baboons. Very seldom 
does it attempt to bite, and even when such an event does take place, it is rather the 
effect of sudden terror than of deliberate malice. 
On account of its amiable nature it is often brought into a domesticated state, and, if 
we may give credence to many a traveller, is trained to become not only an amusing 
companion, but an useful servant. 
The colour of this animal varies much according to the age of the individual. 
When adult, the leading colour is of an uniform dull “black, devoid of the glossy 
lustre which throws back the sunbeams" from the coaita’s furry mantle. On the back, 
the top of the head, and along the spine, the hair is of a dense, dead black, which seems 
to have earned for the animal the very inapposite name with which its nomenclators have 
thought fit to dedecorate the mild and amiable Marimonda. 
