32 TYPES OF ANIMAL LIFE 



however, are not opposable at all. The monkeys hitherto 

 noticed, whether they have two or three w^isdom teeth 

 on either side of each jaw, all agree with us in having 

 three grinders, which have milk predecessors, and are 

 technically known as premolars. But the marmosets 

 alone have only two such on either side of either jaw. 



Various species of this pigmy group, each about the 

 size of a squirrel, or even smaller, are remarkable for the 

 beauty of their furry coat. Thus the " marikina," or 

 silky marmoset, is clothed with fur of a golden yellow, 

 that of the head and shoulders being long and forming a 

 sort of mane. The pinche has the hair of the head 

 greatly elongated. Another kind has a dark body, 

 while the hands and feet are clothed with bright red 

 hair. Several species have a long tuft of hair projecting 

 outward from either side of the head. 



We have compared these animals with squirrels as 

 regards their size, but they may be similarly compared 

 with respect to their movements among trees, to which 

 they cling with their sharp-pointed claws, just as squirrels 

 do. But though they thus resemble squirrels as to their 

 mode of motion, their activity is by no means so great. 

 They live in small troops, feeding on fruit and insects, 

 which, like the saimiris, they eat greedily. They are 

 very delicate in constitution, so that when brought into 

 northern climes they generally live but a short time. 

 Nevertheless, they occasionally breed in Europe, and 

 bring forth as many as three at a birth, while all the 

 other apes habitually bring forth but one. The father 

 shares, at least sometimes, the mother's parental cares 

 with great amiability, taking the young ones from her 

 and carrying them about, when she is fatigued, till they 

 need another supply of food. 



With this notice of the marmosets ends our short 



