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 Americ^a Monkeys by the 

 absence of the additional molar, and by the sharpness and 

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



