36 HLNCi-TAiL, TAIL-LESS, AND BLACK MAUCAUCOES. 



As tney are bred in the depths of unfrequented forests, we 

 know little of their habits and way of living ; but from 

 analogy, it is probable, that in these respects they some- 

 what resemble the monkey. There are several species* 



RING-TAIL MAUCAUCO. 



This beautiful little creature is about the size of a cat ; 

 but its limbs are more elegantly formed, and the hind legs 

 are longer than the fore. The tail is twice the length of 

 the body, and is covered with fur alternately marked with 

 broad rings of black and white : the eyes are very large, 

 and surrounded with a broad black space ; the body is 

 covered with a reddish-coloured hair, soft, glossy, and 

 erect, like the pile of velvet. This animal is extremely 

 gentle, cleanly, and easily tamed ; and possesses none of 

 the malicious ingenuity of the monkey. It is a native of 

 Madagascar. 



TAIL-LESS MAUCAUCO. 



This animal inhabits the woods of Ceylon and Bengal ; 

 where it feeds on fruits, eggs, and probably small birds. In 

 its indolence and inactivity it resembles the sloth ; creeping 

 slowly along the ground, while it utters a plaintive cry. 

 It has a small head, a sharp-pointed nose, and its eyes are 

 surrounded with a black circle ; the fur is short, soft, and 

 of a silky ash-colour and red. 



BLACK (OR RUFFED) MAUCAUCO. 



Buffon calls this species the vari. It is considerably larger 

 than either of the former; and may easily be distinguished 

 by the hair round its neck, which projects like a ruff. The 

 colour in general is black ; but there are some varieties 

 spotted with white. In its disposition it is fierce and 

 savage, and in the loudness of its voice resembles the roar- 

 ing of a lion : it is, however, capable of being domesticated ; 

 in which state it soon loses its native ferocity. 



