S38 LETTER XXXVIII, 



that it is difficult to describe the different species, or 

 even to enumerate their characteristic distinctions. 

 Every country of the torrid zone swarms with these 

 restless, petulant, and troublesome animals; and every 

 forest is enlivened by their restless activity and frq- 

 licsome gambols. The inhabitants of the tropical re- 

 gions regard monkies as one of their greatest pests, 

 as they often do incredible damage among their fields 

 of Indian corn and rice, and indeed are not less de- 

 structive to fruit. Their method of plundering resem- 

 bles that of the baboons, and is conducted with equal 

 dexterity, sagacity, and caution. They are also very 

 troublesome to travellers, by pelting them with stones, 

 dirt and branches of trees. 



Monkies have an extraordinary attachment to their 

 young. This is, indeed, the most laudable trait in 

 their disposition. Both the male and female alter- 

 nately fondle the little cub in their arms, and endea- 

 vour to instruct it in all their own sagacious arts and 

 frolicsome pranks. If the bantling appear disinclin- 

 ed to profit by their example, or refuse to imitate 

 their actions, the parents overcome its obstinacy by 

 well applied chastisement. 



The general food of this tribe of animals is fruit, 

 buds of trees, or succulent roots and plants. Their 

 method of managing an oyster is curious, and ver^ 

 entertaining to those who have an opportunity of 

 witnessing their dexterity. The moment that the 

 mo.nkey sees the shells of the oysters a little open, the' 

 ratty little creature slips a stone between them to 

 prevent them from closing again, and then with its 

 barid liiktis out the fish. 



Of m' 'ikies, naturalists have discovered above fifty 

 dillerent species; you will, therefore, my dear Sir, 

 naturally expect that I shall mention only a few of 

 tht; mosi remarkable. I shall begin with the 



THE MACAQUE, OR HAIR-LIPPED MONKEV. 



This animal is a native of Guinea, Congo, and th* 

 more southern parts of Africa. In size and strength 

 it nearly resembles the baboon : its nostrils are divid- 

 ed like those of the hare: its visage is naked, ugly. 



