474 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



quered nor tamed. They feed on fruits, grain, 

 herbs, and sometimes insects; live in trees, and 

 leap from bough to bough with wonderful agility, 

 catching hold with their hands and tails as they 

 throw themselves from one branch to another, and 

 maintain themselves so firmly, that even when shot, 

 they remain fixed to the trees where they die. 



The flesh of the Preacher is good; and is not 

 only eaten by the natives, but also by Europeans 

 who frequent those parts. 



THE COAITA. 



Is somewhat less than the Preacher. Its face is 

 naked and red; ears short; its body and limbs are 

 long and slender; hair black and rough; tail long, 

 and naked on the under side. 



This animal is found in the neighbourhood of 

 Carthagena, in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. Great 

 numbers associate together. They seldom appear 

 on the ground, but live mostly in trees, and feed on 

 fruits: when these are not to be had, they are said 

 to eat fishes, worms, and insects; are extremely 

 dexterous in catching their prey, and make great 

 use of their tails in seizing it. 



The Coaitas are very lively and active. In pass- 

 ing from one tree to another, they sometimes form 

 a chain, linked to each other by their tails; and 

 swing in that manner till the lowest catches hold of 

 a branch, and draws up the rest. When fruits are 

 ripe, they are generally fat; and their flesh is said 

 to be then excellent. 



There are many varieties of the Coaita, which 

 differ chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, 



