MARIMOND. 23 



'an anchor, and giving a perfect security, even if the 

 twigs upon which the feet are placed should give way 

 with the weight of the body. That part of the tail 

 which more especially is used as a coil is naked, and 

 is described as having a second covering of very delicate 

 skin, which forms an organ of touch as perfect and as 

 discriminating as the hands. Nearly the whole of the 

 division of howling monkeys, unlike their African bre- 

 thren, are easily domesticated, and, if kindly treated, 

 become attached and playful with those they live with. 

 In a state of liberty, most of the species are said to be 

 nocturnal ; but this, strictly speaking, may be doubted. 

 We were long in the habit of hearing the howling mon- 

 keys of Brazil, whose dreadful yells generally began 

 about two hours before sunset, but invariably ceased 

 soon after twilight. 



The general colour of this species is of a uniform yel- 

 lowish red or golden chestnut. The face is thinly covered 

 with hair, and it has a thick beard. The only authentic 

 figure hitherto published is that given by Humboldt : 

 it represents the animal sitting on the branch of a tree, 

 with a banana fruit in one hand. 



The Marimond, or White-bellied Howling 

 Monkey. 



Ateles Beelzebuth, Geoff. Le Belzebuth, Brisson. Coaita 

 a ventre blanc, Cuvier. 



This is one of the most singular species among the 

 American monkeys. The hair on the back and top of the 

 head is reversed or directed forward, while that on the 

 forehead is directed on the contrary v;ay, thus pro- 

 ducing a top-knot upon the crown. M. Humboldt 

 observed this curious animal very frequently in those 

 provinces bordering the great river Orinoco; and al- 

 though we have no certain information of any living 

 specimen being in now England, we doubt not that, 

 ere long, its singular appearance will induce some of 

 our countrymen now settled in the Columbian States, 

 c 4 



