38 



THE MAEMOSET. 



On account of the beauty of its fur, and the gentleness of its 

 demeanor when rightly treated, it is frequently brought from its 

 native land and forced to lead a life of compelled civilization in 

 foreign climes. It is peculiarly sensitive to cold, and always likes to 

 have its house well furnished with soft and warm bedding, which it 

 piles up in a corner, and under which it delights to hide itself. 



The Marmosets do not seem to be possessed of a very large share of 

 intelligence, but yet are very engaging little creatures if kindly treated. 

 They are very fond of flies and other insects, and will often take a fl)H 

 from the hand of the visitor. One of these animals, with which I 

 struck up an acquaintance, took great pleasure in making me catch 

 flies for its use, taking them daintily out of my hand. When it saw 

 my hand sweep over a doomed fly, the bright eyes sparkled with eager 

 anticipation ; and when I approached the cage, the little creature 



thrust its paw through 

 the bars as far as the 

 wires would permit, 

 and opened and closed 

 the tiny fingers wdth 

 restless impatience. It 

 then insinuated its 

 hand among my closed 

 fingers, and never fail- 

 ed to find and capture 

 the imprisoned fly. 



Generally, the Mar- 

 moset preserves silence ; 

 but if alarmed or irri- 

 tated, it gives vent to 

 a little sharp whistle, 

 from which it has gain- 

 ed its name of Ouistiti. 

 It is sufiiciently active 

 when in the enjoyment 

 of good health, climb- 

 ing and leaping about 

 from bar to bar with 

 an agile quickness that 

 reminds the observer 

 of a squirrel. 



Its food is both animal and vegetable in character, the animal 

 portion being chiefly composed of various insects, eggs, and, it may 

 be, an occasional young bird, and the vegetable diet ranging through 

 most of the edible fruits. A tame Marmoset has been known to 



The Golden Marmoset [Midas chrysoleucus). 



