THE SQUIRREL MCNKEYS. 93 



lethargy in which it has spent the day, and shaking off its drowsiness, 

 becomes filled with life and spirit. The large dull eyes, that shrank 

 from the dazzling rays of the sun, light up with eager animation at 

 eventide ; the listless languor is discarded, and it commences its nightly 

 chase. 



The general color of the Douroucouli is a grayish-white, over which 

 a silvery lustre plays in certain lights. The spine is marked with a 

 brown line, and the breast, abdomen, and inside of the limbs are marked 

 with a very light chestnut, almost amounting to orange. The face is 

 remarkable for three very distinct black lines, which radiate from each 

 other, and which have earned for the animal the title of trivirgatus, 

 or " three-striped." There are but very slight external indications of 

 ears, and in order to expose the organs of hearing, it is necessary to draw 

 aside the fur of the head. On account of this peculiarity, Humboldt 

 separated the Douroucouli from its neighbors, and formed it into a dis- 

 tinct family, which he named " Aotes," or " Earless." 



It is rather uncommon, a fact which some writers attribute to its 

 living in a state of virtuous monogamy ; they affirm that a pair may be 

 found snugly sleeping in one bed, but never greater numbers, unless 

 there be a little family. But Bates, a very careful observer, denies this, 

 and asserts that larger troops are not rare. It has a loud cry, and can 

 hiss, spit, and mew like a cat. 



IX.— GENUS SAIMIRIS. 



The Saimirt or Squirrel Monkeys are little quick-moving animals 

 with a sprightly countenance, and not unlike the squirrels in character 

 and size, as their name implies. They have the brain well developed, 

 and are remarkably intelligent. Nocturnal, like the preceding, they live 

 nearlv in the same fashion, loving to seclude themselves in coppices and 

 in well-wooded localities ; they even occasionally inhabit holes in rocks. 

 They are carnivorous, for they eagerly pursue not only small birds, but 

 also certain species of Mammals. Guiana and Brazil are their native 

 countries. 



" Its physiognomy is that of a child ; it has the same expression of 

 innocence, sometimes the same sly smile, and always the same rapidity 

 of transition from joy to sorrow ; it feels disappointment very acutely, 



