SMALL WILD ANIMALS 51 



Monkeys 



II 



Monkeys are practically the only small foreign animals 

 which reach our market in any numbers. Specimens of the 

 commoner sorts are always obtainable, but tame individuals, 

 suitable for pets, are not abundant. Young, hand-reared 

 monkeys are interesting and diverting creatures, but as they 

 grow older are very likely to become bad-tempered. Adult 

 males often are vicious, and are then very dangerous. The 

 writer well remembers a large male Geoffrey Spider Monkey 

 which was given him when collecting in Costa Rica. This 

 animal had been a family pet for several years, but re- 

 cently had become so ill-tempered that only the cook dared 

 go near him. A suitable box having been prepared for his 

 reception, his keeper was directed to lead him to our head- 

 quarters. A series of shrieks heralded the coming of the 

 " pet," dragging on his chain, at the head of a procession 

 of curious natives. Getting him into the box was a problem, 

 for no one dared handle him and he threw off our light 

 net with the greatest ease. He was finally drawn into the 

 cage by running the free end of his chain through a hole 

 drilled in the back. Once inside, he became perfectly quiet, 

 and is still living in perfect contentment in the New York 

 Zoological Park. 



Most species of monkeys are natives of warm climates, 

 and cannot endure low temperatures. It is therefore neces- 

 sary to provide heated quarters, at least during cold weather. 

 If the animal is to be confined continually, the cage should 

 be not less than four feet in each dimension, and, if pos- 

 sible, should connect with an outside run for summer use. 

 If plenty of light can be obtained, it is best to make the 

 walls of the cage entirely tight, with only the front wired, 

 thus preventing draughts, which are fatal to monkeys. The 

 wire and cage structure must be strong, for even small ani- 



