THE MARMOSET. 



99 



limbs are instinct with fiery activity, every sense is aroused to keen perception, and 

 the creature sets off on its nightly quest. Such is then its agile address, that it can 

 capture even the quick-sighted and ready-winged flies as they flit by, striking rapid 

 blows at them with its little paws. 



The general color of the Douroucouli is a grayish-white, over which a silvery lustre 

 plays in certain lights. The spine is marked with a brown line, and the breast, abdo- 

 men, and inside of the limbs, are marked with a very light chestnut, almost amount- 

 ing to orange. The face is remarkable for three very distinct black lines, which 

 radiate from each other, and which have earned for the animal the title of "Triver- 

 gatus," or "Three-striped." There are but very slight external indications of ears, and 

 in order to expose the organs of hearing, it is necessary to draw aside the fur of the 

 head. On account of this peculiarity, Humboldt separated the Douroucouli from its 

 neighbors, and formed it into a distinct family, which he named " Aotes," or " Earless." 



Guiana and Brazil are the countries where this curious little animal is found. Al- 

 though by no means an uncommon species, it is not taken very plentifully, on account 

 X)f its monogamous habits. The male and his mate may often be discovered sleeping 



MARMOSET. Jacchus Vulgaris. 



snugly together in one bed, but never in greater numbers, unless there may be a little 

 family at the time. Its cry is singularly loud, considering the small size of the animal 

 which utters it, and bears some resemblance to the roar of the jaguar. Besides this 

 deep-toned voice, it can hiss or spit like an angry cat, mew with something of a 

 cat-like intonation, and utter a guttural, short, and rapidly repeated bark. The fur is 

 used for the purpose of covering pouches and similar articles. 



The beautiful little creature which is so well known by the name of the MARMOSET, 

 or OUISTITI, is a native of the same country as the Douroucouli, and is even more 

 attractive in its manners and appearance. The fur is long and exquisitely soft, diver- 

 sified with bold stripes of black upon aground of white and reddish-yellow. The tail is 

 long and full ; its color is white, encircled with numerous rings of a hue so deep that 

 it may almost be called black. A radiating tuft of white hairs springs from each side 

 of the face, and contrasts well with the jetty hue of the head. 



On account of the beauty of its fur, and the gentleness of its demeanor when rightly 

 treated, it is frequently brought from its native land, and forced to lead a life of compelled 

 civilization in foreign climes. It is peculiarly sensitive to cold, and always likes to have 



