198 



APES, MONKEYS, AND LEMURS 



are described as keeping to the very top of their cages a habit probably retained 

 from the native one of living in the tree tops. When descending they always come 

 down backwards, with the tail pendent. Mr. Swainson, who observed these ani- 

 mals in their native Brazilian forests, states that their ways are very similar to 

 those of the common marmoset. He mentions, however, their habit of bounding 1 

 from tree to tree with incredible rapidity, which is scarcely consonant with the 



SH.KY MARMOSETS. 

 (One-fourth natural size.) 



account given by Mr. Bates of the movements of marmosets in general. They are 

 stated to utter sharp but weak cries of alarm when frightened. 



The total length of this marmoset is rather less than two feet, of which one is 

 occupied by the long tail. 



The golden-headed marmoset (M. chrysomelas} may be regarded as a black rep- 

 resentative of the preceding species ; its general color being black, with the face, 

 fore-arms, hands, feet, and the base of the tail tawny. 



