CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 2 QUADRUMANA, 



101 



THE GOUARIBA, OR URSINE HoWLER. 



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." 



The Stentor, or Ursine Howler, Mycetes ursimis, has been confounded with other species, and 

 had a variety of names, as the Ouarine Monkey, the Beelzebub Monkey, the Gouariba, Chow, &c. 

 These titles indicate a marked character, which it indeed possesses. It is found in Brazil and Co- 

 lombia, and the adjacent provinces. It has thick fur, of a dark-brown color, much prized by the 

 natives. Its body is eighteen inches in length ; the tail long and prehensile. It lives in troops in 

 the most solitary forests. While most monkeys avoid the water, and are incapable of swimming, 

 this species dwells along the marshy borders of rivers, frequenting the small islands and spaces par- 

 tially inundated, and sometimes even swimming streams of considerable width. In aspect this crea- 

 ture is sad, and in disposition savage and mischievous. It can neither be tamed nor subdued. It 

 bites severely ; and although it is not carnivorous, it inspires fear by its harsh voice and impudent 

 air. \\ hen a troop of these animals are attacked by hunters, they assemble in a phalanx, and 

 seek to frighten the intruder by their infernal din. They throw down upon the enemy the dried 

 branches of trees, and even eject their excrements upon them. If all this fails, they usually retire, 

 but in good order. If one is shot, and mortally wounded, he will often remain suspended by his 

 tail. In some cases the monkeys gather around a wounded companion, examine the injury, draw 

 out the lead, and stop the blood with their hands till one of the number brings some leaves, which 

 are chewed and then thrust into the place. 



The Gold-tailed Howler, Mycetes chrysurus — called Ararjuato by the natives — is found upon 

 the borders of the Magdalena, in New Grenada, and is marked by a golden-yellow hue along the 

 back, and spreading over one half the tail. The rest of the body is of a deep maroon-color. It 

 lives in bands in the forest; and M. Roulin tells us that in their migrations they all follow a 

 leader, each one imitating him exactly, even leaping or climbing as he has done, and putting his 

 feet exactly in the same places. The name of Araguato is given by Hufnb'oldt, erroneously, to the 

 preceding. 



Besides these species, there is the Red Howler, M. seniculus, of Guiana, or Alouate of Buffon 

 and Mono Colorado of Humboldt ; the Russet-handed Howler, M. rufimanus, of Brazil ; 



