DUTY OF MAN TO ANIMALS. 17 



creatures ; for is it not said in Holy Writ that the 

 mother and her young shall not both be offered unto 

 the Lord in one day*? The Most High has here 

 regard to the feelings to the affections of the 

 animals which He made. He recognises the mutual 

 attachment of the parent and the offspring, and he 

 would not permit either the one or the other to be 

 needlessly distressed. 



Wild animals are undoubtedly much happier than 

 the domesticated species, because man has not yet 

 learned that he is appointed, not the oppressor, but 

 the benefactor of his dependents ; yet when brought 

 into subjection, and kindly treated, they very com- 

 monly choose rather to follow him than to associate 

 with their companions. This peculiarity is very 

 obvious in the species of which we have now to 

 speak, the Merikana (S. rosalia, vul.\ Lion Monkey, 

 and the Squirrel Monkey (S. sciurea). 



The Merikana is a pretty little animal, with an 

 intelligent physiognomy, and light and graceful 

 movements ; he utters a soft and plaintive sound, 

 and his disposition is remarkably pleasing. The 

 only defensive weapons which he possesses are his 

 teeth, but he does not require any other. He lives 

 at peace with all his neighbours, and should a dis- 

 pute unexpectedly arise, he seems to consider that 

 it is better to avoid hostilities than to return them. 

 He therefore springs into the nearest citadel of 

 boughs, and remains concealed till their displeasure 

 has had time to cool. 



When in a captive state, much care is requisite 

 to guard him from atmospheric changes. Cold and 

 * Levit. xxii. 27, 28. 



