NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Robbing plantations. 



above, and yellowish on the belly. It lives in 



woods and fields principally on fruits and insects, 



These animals are generally of a mild disposi- 



tion, and may be tamed without much difficulty. 



They will sip their drink from the palm of the 



hand, mimic the smiles and frowns of their mas- 



ter, and, as Linnaeus says, imitate the forms of 



salutation used by the Caffres. They have reten- 



tive memories, and frequently recollect the per- 



sons of benefactors for many years. In their ge- 



neral manners they are sagacious and frolicsome; 



but when taken hold of in a wild state th<?y bite 



furiously in self defence. In their native forests 



they associate in troops, and frequently attack 



gardens or plantations. On these occasions, one 



of the party always remains on the watch. If 



any one approach he utters a loud scream, when 



those on the ground immediately run up the 



trees; and if the alarm continue, and the coun- 



try be pretty well wooded, they pursue their 



route, by leaping from tree to tree, all the way 



to the mountains. In this procedure the females 



are frequently burthened by three or four young 



ones, clinging round their necks and backs, yet, 



notwithstanding this incumbrance, they are able 



to leap to a considerable distance. The injury 



they do to the fruits and corn is incalculable: 



they gather them into heaps, and throw them on 



the ground in such quantities, that what they 



eat and carry off, is very trifling compared with 



the quantity they destroy. 



