THE COAITA. 



29 



hardly seems to be scope for further modifications. Yet the prolific 

 power of nature is so inexhaustible that the depth of our researches 

 only brings to view objects of such infinite variety of shape that the 

 mind is lost in wonder and admiration. We will now take some of 

 the Quadrumana of the New World. 



The CoAiTA — or Quata, as the word is frequently written — is one of 

 the best known of this group of animals, which are called by the name 

 of Spider Monkeys on account of their long sprawling limbs, and 

 their peculiar action while walking. 



The name " Ateles," which is given to the entire genus to which this 



The Black-handed Spider Monkey (Aides melanochir 



animal belongs, signifies " imperfect," and has been applied to the crea- 

 tures because the fore-paws are devoid of useful thumbs. Sometimes 

 that member is almost entirely absent, and in other instances it only 

 just shows itself. 

 The Spider Monkeys are also remarkable for the long and prehensile 



3 * 



