THE TAMARINS. 149 
Habits.—“ The Midas ursulus is never seen,” writes Mr. 
Bates, “in large flocks ; three or four is the greatest number 
observed» together. It seems to be less afraid of the neigh- 
bourhood of Man than any other Monkey. I sometimes saw 
it in the woods which border the suburban streets, and once 
I espied two individuals in a thicket behind the English Con- 
sul’s houseat Nazareth. Its mode of progression along the 
main boughs of the lofty trees is like that of the Squirrels ; it 
does not ascend to the slender branches, or take wonderful 
flying leaps like those Monkeys whose prehensile tails and 
flexible hands fit them for such headlong travelling. It con- 
fines itself to the larger boughs and trunks of trees, its long 
nails being of great assistance to the creature, enabling it to 
cling securely to the bark ; and it is often seen passing rapidly 
round the perpendicular cylindrical trunks. It is a quick, 
restless, timid little creature, and has a great share of curlosity, 
for when a person passes by under the trees along which a 
flock is running, they always stop for a few moments to have a 
stare at theintruder.” In Para, the Negro Tamarin “is often 
seen in a tame state in the houses of the inhabitants. . . + 
When first taken, or when kept tied up, it is very timid and 
irritable. It will not allow itself to be approached, but keeps 
_ retreating backwards when anyone attempts to coax it. It is 
always in a querulous humour, uttering a twittering, complain- 
ing noise; its dark, watchful eyes, expressive of distrust, are 
observant of every movement which takes place near it. When 
treated kindly, however, as it generally is in the houses of the 
natives, it becomes very tame and familiar. . . . It is 
generally fed on sweet fruits, such as the banana ; but it is 
also fond of insects, especially soft-bodied spiders and grass- 
hoppers, which it will snap up with eagerness when within 
