THE HOWLING MONKEY 535 



{Mycetes), the Spider Monkeys {Ateles), the Sajoiis, and several 

 other intermediate genera. 



The aluates are chiefly remarkable for their stentorian powers, 

 which no other animal can equal or approach. 



When the nocturnal howl of the Large Red Aluate {Mycetes 

 UTsinus) bursts forth from the woods, you would suppose 

 that all the beasts of the forest were collecting for the work 

 of carnage. Now it is the tremendous 

 roar of the jaguar as he springs on 

 his prey ; now it changes to his terrible 

 and deep-toned growlings as he is pressed 

 on all sides by superior force ; and now 

 you hear his last dying moan, beneath 

 a mortal wound. Some naturalists have 

 supposed that these awful sounds can only 

 proceed-from a number of the red monkeys ^^^^,^^^ ^^^^^^^^ 



howling in concert, but one of them alone 



is equal to the task. In dark and cloudy weather, and just 

 before a squall of rain, the aluate often howls in the day-time ; 

 and on advancing cautiously to the high and tufted tree where 

 he is sitting, one may then have a wonderful opportunity of 

 seeing the large lump in his throat, the sounding-board which 

 gives such volume to his voice, move up and down as he exerts 

 his stentorian luncfs. 



Poppig compares the howling of the aluate to the noise of 

 ungreased cart wheels, but very much stronger, and affirms that 

 it may be heard at the distance of a league. In spite of his 

 loud harsh voice, this monkey is of a very mild disposition, and 

 easily familiarises himself with man. His flesh is good food, 

 but when skinned, his appearance is so like that of a young one 

 of our own species, that a delicate stomach and lively fancy 

 might possibly revolt at the idea of putting a knife and fork 

 into him. Waterton, however, affirms from experience, that after 

 a long and dreary march through the remote forests of Guiana, 

 his flesh is not to be despised, when boiled in Cayenne pepper, or 

 roasted on a stick over a good fire. A young one tastes not 

 unlike kid, and the old ones have somewhat the flavour of the 

 goat. 



The howling monkeys are the most robust of the American 

 simiae, and in spite of their long tail have a certain analogy with 



