MAMMALIA. 



429 



In this respect they contrast with the INIarmozet or Onstiti, 

 one of the American Monkeys, whose thumb, as exliibited in 

 the annexed figure {Fir/. 33 Q), acts in a line with the other 



Fig. 339.— OcsTiTi. 



fingers, and Avhose nails are particul:^rly sharp and crooked. 

 Its principal habitat is Brazil. Other species, known as 

 Howlers, Spider-monkeys, Weepers, and similar names ex 

 pressive of peculiarities of structure or habit, are scattered 

 throughout the warmer portions of the American continent. 

 In the midst of the trackless forests lying between the Oro- 

 noko and the Amazon, they are particularly numerous, dwell- 

 ing amid the branches of the trees, and adding insects, lizards, 

 tlie eggs and young of birds, to their usual food of fruits and 

 vegetables. In many of them the tail becomes an instrument 

 of prehension {Fiy. 340), by tlie aid of which they can pass 

 in security from tree to tree, or swing in full activity suspended 

 from the branches. For all animals which have opposable 

 thumbs upon the feet, but not on the anterior extremities, 

 Mr. Ogilby proposes the term Pedimana, or "foot-handed." 



The Monkeys of the Old World, like those of the American 

 continent, are limited to tlie torrid regions, and are therefore 

 natives of Asia and of Africa. To this there is only one 

 exception, a colony of the Barbary Baboon [Pajno inuiis), 

 occupying a part of the rock of Gibraltar, and appearing to 

 flourish in the elevated solitude of that mighty fortress. 



In Asia tliere are species which are not only free from 

 molestation, but which have been deified by the Hindoos. 

 *' Splendid and costly temples are dedicated to these animals; 

 hospitals are built for their reception when sick or wounded ; 

 lai'ge fortunes are bequeathed for their support; and tlie laws 



