458 THE CACAJAO. 



and teeth so sharp that it has been seen to drive them, when 

 angiy, into a thick plank. When in- a rage it gi'inds them 

 together, and, rubbing its long beard in a most curious way, 

 leaps about in every direction. At the slightest cause of 

 offence, it gives a savage grin, wrinkling the skin of its face 

 and jaws, and threatening the offender with the most men- 

 acing grimaces. 



It seems perfectly conscious of the unusual adornment of 

 its head, treasuring its bushy beard with as much care and 

 pride as does a human exquisite. When drinking, it dips its 

 paw, curved into the shape of a spoon, into the water, and 

 thus brings the liquid to its mouth. The natives declare that 

 it does so to avoid the risk of wetting its long beard, of which — 

 being generally destitute of such appendages themselves — they 

 fancy it must be excessively vain. As it is chiefly nocturnal 

 in its habits, it might be classed among the Nyctipitheci, or 

 night monkeys. From its fierce countenance, long, sharp teeth, 

 and savage temper, it has gained its second scientific name 

 — Brachyuras Satanus. 



THE CACAJAO. 



The cacajao is a curious contrast to the cuxio. It is called 

 also the black-headed saki. Unlike most of its brethren, it 

 has but a short, hairy tail, looking as if it had been docked. 

 The head is perfectly black, somewhat flattened at the temples, 

 with large ears approaching in shape to those of the human 

 head, and devoid of hair. The fur on the body is generally 

 of a bright yellowish-broAvn. When full-grown, the animal 

 reaches to upwards of twenty inches in length, while the tail 

 is from three to five inches long. Its legs are covered with 

 rough hair, and iis fingers are unusually long and slender, 



