(HAP. 111. MARMOSET MONKEYS. 97 



.'ilways stop for a few moments to have a stare at the 

 intruder. In Para, Midas ursulus is often seen in a 

 tame state in the houses of the inhabitants. When full 

 grown it is aljout nine inches long, independently of the 

 tail, which measures fifteen inches. The fur is thick, 

 and black in colour, with the exception of a reddish- 

 brown streak down the middle of the back. When first 

 taken, or when, kept tied up, it is very timid and irri- 

 table. It will not allow itself to be approached, but 

 keeps retreating backwards when any one attempts to 

 coax it. It is always in a querulous humour, uttering a 

 twittering, complaining noise ; its dark, watchful eyes, 

 expressive of distrust, observant of every movement 

 which takes place near it. When treated kindly, how- 

 ever, as it generally is in the houses of the natives, it 

 becomes very tame and familiar. I once saw one as 

 playful as a kitten, running about the house after the 

 negro children, who fondled it to their heart's content. 

 It acted somewhat differently towards strangers, and 

 seemed not to like them to sit in the hammock which 

 was slung in the room, leaping up, trying to bite, and 

 otherwise annoying them. It is generally fed on sweet 

 fruits, such as the banana ; but it is also fond of insects, 

 especially soft-bodied spiders and grasshoppers, which it 

 will snap up with eagerness when within reach. The 

 expression of countenance in these small monkeys is 

 intelligent and pleasing. This is partly owing to the open 

 facial angle, which is given as one of 60° ; but the quick 

 movements of the head, and the way they have of 

 inclining it to one side when their curiosity is excited, 

 contribute very much to give them a knowing expres- 



