136 THE NATUEAL HIST OUT OF 



what modified in form, with the African and Asiatic 

 orangs, and represented in the annexed cut of the 

 dentition of the H. leuciscus ; in being destitute of a 

 tail ; and peculiarly remarkable from the great length 

 of the anterior extremities, which reach the ground 

 when the animal is placed in an erect position. Their 

 height scarcely exceeds four feet, and they never pos- 

 sess that gigantic and powerful form, which is attain- 

 ed in a native state by the animals we have just 

 described, Thek dispositions in a wild state, appear 

 shy and timid. They are in most instances grega- 

 rious, and in this respect resemble the howling mon- 

 keys of America, which is farther confirmed by the 

 presence, in some, of the large guttural sacks, and the 

 continued howling which betrays their haunts. Some 

 species are possessed of very great activity, and use 

 their long arms with almost as mueh effect as the 

 long and prepensile tail of the Sapajous. Some appear 

 again to be more sluggish in their habits, but are 

 possessed of an acute sense of sight and hearing, and 

 will seldom allow an intruder to approach so near as to 

 render their escape difficult or uncertain. When in 

 confinement they soon become reconciled and peaceful, 

 become attached to those who take charge of them, 

 but seem possessed of only a small portion of intuitive 

 intellect. They are all natives of India and her 

 islands, abounding in the forests, at a distance from 

 which they are very seldom found ; and, when occa- 

 sionally discovered straying, fall an easy prey, from 



