SQUIRREL MONKEYS; MARMOZETS. 173 



teeth, upon very slight provocation. In their dentition, they 

 somewhat approach the Lemurs. The genus Callithrix compre- 

 hends the Sagoins, or Squirrel Monkeys ; a group of little animals 

 which are extremely light, active, and graceful in their move- 

 ments, as well as elegant in their forms; and presenting no 

 inconsiderable resemblance to the Squirrel in their general aspect, 





FIG. 77. SQUIRREL MONKEY. 



though differing from it most completely in the shape of the 

 head. Though the tail is completely destitute of prehensile 

 power, it is used as a protection against cold ; to which these 

 animals are acutely sensitive. Their food seems to consist more 

 of insects, eggs, and small birds, than of fruits ; and although 

 habitually gentle and timid, they become animated even to 

 ferocity at the sight of living prey. The day is their period of 

 activity ; and they pass the night in repose. Nearly allied to 

 this genus is an interesting animal, best known as the Douroucouli, 

 which seems to represent the Lemur tribe in America ; its habits 

 are completely nocturnal, and its movements are almost cat-like. 

 The Marmozets, or Oustitis, belonging to the genus Hapale, are 

 distinguished from the rest of the American Monkeys by the 

 absence of the additional molar, and by the sharpness and 

 crookedness of their nails. The thumb is not opposable, being 



