THE SAKI MONKEYS 



175 



although a dull, cheerless animal, excels all in this quality of capability of attach- 

 ment to individuals of our own species. It is not wanting, however, in intelligence, 

 as well as moral goodness, proof of which was furnished one day by an act of our 

 little pet. My neighbor had quitted his house one morning without taking the 

 parauacu with him, and the little creature having missed its friend, and concluded, 

 as it seemed, that he would be sure to come to me, both being in the habit of paying 

 me a daily visit together, came straight to my dwelling, taking a short cut over 

 gardens, trees, and thickets, instead of going the roundabout way of the street. It 

 had never done this before, and we knew the route it had taken only from a neigh- 



HUMBOLDT'S SAKI. 



(One-eighth natural size. ) 



bor having watched its movements. On arriving at my house, and not finding its 

 master, it climbed to the top of my table, and sat with an air of quiet resignation 

 waiting for him. Shortly afterwards my friend entered, and the gladdened pet then 

 jumped to its usual perch on his shoulder." 



It would appear that this interesting little creature did not long survive, as its 

 skin was brought home by Mr. Bates, and is now preserved in the British Museum. 

 If the life of these sakis is thus short when in comparatively free captivity in their 

 native land, it must be doubly so when in our cold climate. We find this confirmed 



