30 APES AND MONKEYS 



NEW WORLD MONKEYS 



All the monkeys of the New World are marked by the wide 

 space between the nostril openings, and nearly all the larger 

 species possess prehensile, or grasping, tails, that are as use- 

 ful as a fifth arm and hand. Most of the species which do 

 not have prehensile tails are quite small. Of the clinging- 

 tailed monkeys there are three important groups, which are 

 represented in North America. They are the Sapajous, the 

 Spider Monkeys, and Howlers. 



The American monkey most frequently seen in captivity 

 is the White-Throated Sapajou 1 (sap'a-jew) or Cap'u- 

 chin, called by animal dealers and showmen, the 'Ring- 

 Tail." This monkey is a kind-spirited and affectionate little 

 creature, and rarely gives way to bad temper. It has a 

 wrinkled and care-worn face, as if burdened with sorrows— 

 which most captive monkeys certainly are! Its forehead, 

 throat, and shoulder points are white, and the remainder of 

 the body is either gray, brown, or jet-black. The Sapajous 

 inhabit Central America and northern South America. About 

 two hundred specimens are brought to New York every year, 

 where they are sold by dealers at prices ranging from $10 to 

 $15 each. 



The Spider Monkeys 2 may easily be recognized by their 

 very long, slender legs and tails, and small, round heads. In 

 color they are usually either black or gray, and rarely reddish 

 brown. As they swing on their way through life, always using 

 their prehensile tails to cling with or to swing by, they have 



1 Ce'bus hy-po-leu'cus. 2 At'e-les. 



