SQUIRREL MONKEYS. 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 ger.eral aspect. 



FIG. 77. SQUIRREL MONKKY. 



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 

 these is an interesting genus (Nyctipithecus\ of which one spe- 

 cies is well known as the Douroucouli; these animals seem to 

 represent the Lemur tribe in America ; their habits are com- 

 pletely nocturnal, and their movements almost cat-like. Another 

 curious form is that presented by the genus Brachyurus, in which, 

 as its name implies, the tail is unusually short ; it is, however, so 

 thickly covered with hair, that in some species it looks like a 

 roundish knob. The Marmozets, or Oustitis, belonging to the 



