G2 MAMMALIA. 



the next group, which chiefly differs from the third (Brachyxmis, SpLx), in possessing a long tail : the hair is 

 comparatively short, and in the Jacket Saki of a rich dark brown, except on the head, where it is longer, crisped, 

 and deep black, as is also its fine bushy beard. Others would appear intermediate, as the P. safaiias, Humb. : 

 seemingly allied to which is the Drachyurm israeUtus of Spix, and the diminutive P. melanocephala of Humboldt.* 

 Tliese last are represented as mainly frugivorous, and the first to be great destroyers both of wild bees and their 

 honey. They are said to inhabit the very depth of the forest, and to repose during mid-day ; are moderately 

 social, and crepuscular if not nocturnal in their time of action.] 



There are also some, 



The Sagouins {Callithrix, Geof.), — 

 The tail of which is slender, and the teeth do not project. They were a long time associated with the 

 Saimiri, but the head of the Sagouins is mucli higher, and their canines considerably shorter. Such 

 are 



Tlie Masked Sagouin (C.pcrsoiiafa, Geof.), the Widow Sagouin (C. lugcns, Humb.), [and several others ; some of 

 which have been ascertained to live in pairs, while others, (as the C. melanochir, Pr. Max.), assemble in numerous 

 bands, and make a loud and unpleasant yelping about sunrise. Tliey are very carnivorous, though small, and 

 spring to a considerable distance on birds and other prey, for which they lie in wait ; are also dexterous in seizing 

 flying insects with the hand They have none of the sprightliness of the Saimiri.] 



The Douroucouli {Nocthorus, F. Cuv. ; Nyctipiihecus, Spix : improperly named Aotm by Illiger), — 

 Only differ from the Sagouins by their great nocturnal eyes, and in their ears being partly hidden 

 under the hair. 



[Three species are now knowii, of somewhat Lemur-like appearance, but still having no particular relation- 

 ship with the Lemurs. They are almost lethargic by day, which they pass in the darkest recesses of the hollows 

 of trees ; but at night are all energy and activity, and subsist on small birds and insects, as well as fruit : they 

 drinii little, and appear to live in pairs.] 



All the foregoing animals are from Guiana or Brazil. 



The Ouistitis {Hapale, Illiger), — 



Constitute a small genus, similar to the Sakis, and wliieli was long confounded in the great 

 genus Simia. They have, in fact, like the American Monkey-like animals in general, the 

 head round, visage flat, nostrils lateral, the huttocks hairy, no cheek-pouches ; and, like the 

 latter divisions of them in particular, the tail not prehensile : hut they have only twenty 

 grinders, like those of the old continent. All their nails are compressed and pointed, except 

 those of the hinder thumbs [a character to which the immediately preceding divisions approx- 

 imate], and their anterior thumbs are so little separated from the other digits, that we hesi- 

 tate to apply the name Quadrumana to them. All are diminutive animals of pleasing forms, 

 and are easily tamed. [Their brain is surprisingly low, almost without convolutions.] 



M. Geoffroy distinguishes the Ouistitis, properly so called, by the name Jacchus. They are the 



Marmosets {Hapale, as restricted), — 

 Which, for characters, have the inferior incisors pointed, and placed in a curved hne, equalling the 

 canines. Their tail is annulated, and well covered with hair ; and their ears are generally tufted. 



[Seven or eight species arc tolerably established, some of which are subject to vary. These pretty little creatures 

 are gregarious, and very indiscriminate feeders ; are indeed rapacious, and in confinement will eagerly seize and 

 prey on gold fishes, &c. They produce two or three young at a birth.] 



M. Geoffroy designates as 



Tamarins (Midas), — 

 Tliose species which have inferior trenchant incisors placed in an almost straight line, and shorter 

 than the canines. Their tail is also more slender, and not annulated. 



[These differ more than the others, and are also somewhat variable in colour. At least seven or eight have been 

 ascertained, of which the I'inche {,Sivi. adipus, Lin.), is the longest known. Those curious little beings, tlie 

 Silky Tamarin {M. rosalia), and the Leoncito, or Lion Monkey of Humboldt {M. leoninus), fall under this division. 



• It is probHble that all Imt the members of the first should range in the division Brachyuru), Spix, (provided this be separable,) which 

 name is e(tii:»equciitly ill-choaeii.— Ed. 



