398 VEGETABLE SUBSTANCES. 



The grains which this shell contains have two dis- 

 tinct envelopes. Four or five, and sometimes as 

 many as eight, of these grains are attached to a 

 central membrane. The Capuchin apes (Simla 

 chiropotes) are exceedingly fond of the almonds of 

 the juvia ; and the noise of the falling fruit excites 

 their appetites in the highest degree. The natives 

 say that these animals unite their strength to break 

 the pericarp with a stone, and thus to obtain the 

 coveted nuts. Humboldt doubts this; but he thinks ' 

 that some of the order of Rodentia, such as the 

 Cavia aguti, are able to open the outer shell with 

 their sharp teeth applied with unwearied pertinacity. 

 When the triangular nuts are spread on the ground, 

 all the animals of the forest surround them, and dis- 

 pute their possession. The Indians, who collect 

 these nuts, say "it is the feast of the animals, as 

 well as of ourselves ;" but they are angry with 

 their rivalry. The gathering of the juvia is cele- 

 brated with rejoicings, like the vintage of Europe. 



