SEM^OPITHECUS. 35 



very long, concealing the lower part of the ears. Black supra- 

 orbital hairs but moderately developed. Hair of body of moderate 

 length. 



Colour. Body and limbs dusky or smoky brown to black, more 

 or less tinged with ashy grey above and below; sacral region, 

 comprising the lower back, posterior upper portion of thighs, and 

 base of tail, ashy grey to greyish white, greater portion of tail 

 darker grey, tip again paler. Hair uniformly coloured, sometimes 

 paler towards the base, and frequently with pale tips on the back. 

 Crown of head and nape hair-brown, much paler than the back ; 

 sides of head and chin ashy grey or white, the long whitish 

 whiskers contrasting stroogly with the brown crown, and serving 

 at all ages to distinguish this species from S. johni. 



Dimensions. Head and body 20 inches, tail 24|. A female 

 skull scarcely adult is 2-5 inches in basal, 3'5 in extreme length, 

 and 2-6 broad. 



Varieties. The prevalent coloration, in adults at all events, is 

 nearly black on the body, with the sacral region silvery grey. But 

 in the form named S. kelaarti by Schlegel, which appears to be 

 far from uncommon, the whole animal is hair-brown except the 

 lower back, upper portion of thighs, whiskers, and chin, which are 

 light brown or whitish. It is not known whether, specimens 

 thus coloured are ever fully adult, but many immature specimens 

 have the normal coloration. Examples intermediate in coloration 

 between the black and brown forms are also met with. It is 

 probable that the S. thersites of Blyth and Kelaart may have been 

 founded on such brown examples of the present species. 



It is clear that this monkey varies greatly in coloration, and 

 although at present I am disposed, chiefly for want of accurate 

 information, to keep the two next species, S. senex and S. ursinus, 

 distinct, it is quite possible that Anderson (Cat. Mam. I. M. pp. 44, 

 45) may be right in classing all as varieties of S. cephalopterus. 



The skulls of this species, of S. johni, and S. ursinus are said by 

 Anderson to be very similar to each other. 



Distribution. Found throughout most parts of Ceylon at low or 

 moderate elevations, not above 1300 feet according to Kelaart. 

 According to Layard it is the common monkey of the maritime 

 provinces and is also found ia the Kandyan districts. 



Habits. Very similar to those of other species, found usually in 

 troops, of ten to fifteen individuals. In confinement it is said to 

 be very gentle. 



18. Semnopithecus senex. The white Monkey. 



? Simia veter, L. Syst. Nat. ed. xii, i, p. 36 (1766). 

 Cercopithecus senex, Erxl. Syst. Reg. An., Mam. p. 24 (1777). 

 Presbytis albinus, Kelaart, Prod. p. 7 ; id. J. A. S. B. xx, p. 182. 

 Semnopithecus senex, Schleg. Mus. Pays-JBas, i. p. 63. 

 Semnopithecus cephalopterus, var., Anderson, An. Zool. Res. p. 23, 

 note: id* Cat. p. 45. 



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