THE NATTTBAL HISTOEY OP 



thought to direct their motions and to preside at 

 their morning and evening howlings. In their general 

 habits they are said to be more sluggish and inactive 

 than some which we shall presently describe; and 

 they neither swing from the branches, or leap with 

 that surprising agility, which characterise some of 

 the others. They seem, however, sensible of their 

 imperfections ; and being endowed with an acute 

 sense of hearing, fly to their retreats upon the least 

 noise which is not familiar to them. If any members 

 of .a band are wounded, they are immediately left be- 

 hind ; a mother only will remain with the young one 

 if hurt, and will allow herself to be taken rather than 

 fly alone. MM. Diard and Duvaneel relate, that this 

 maternal affection is at all times remarkably strong, 

 and not exercised only in a time of danger. The 

 young are tended with the greatest care ; and these 

 gentlemen mention having seen the females carry their 

 young to the banks of a stream, wash them notwith- 

 standing their cries, and wipe and dry them in th 

 most careful manner. 



These gentlemen also describe their habits when 

 confined, as characterised by stupidity, dulness, and 

 inactivity, in a few days becoming mild, and deprived 

 of all ferocity, but always timid, and without that 

 familiarity and impudence which so many of this 

 tribe very soon acquire ; nor does either good or bad 

 treatment seem to have much effect on their disposi- 

 tions. The most common position is sitting squatted, 



