42 



THE PATAS. 



The Patas, sometimes called the Red Monkey, on account of the ruddy color of the hair, 

 is of a bright chestnut, or fawn color, with a deep shading of red. This hue is shown very 

 decidedly on the sides and on the outer portions of the hind legs, the legs themselves being of 

 a darkish cream color. The breast and the fore-Limbs are covered with hair, which much 

 resembles that of the Green Monkey. 



It is an inhabitant of Western Africa, being found very commonly in Senegal. In size it 

 is much superior to the last-mentioned animal, reaching more than three feet in length. 



When left to an undisturbed life, these creatures are playful and inquisitive, but mis- 

 chievous and spiteful withal. They display great courage when engaged in a fray, and if their 



size and strength were proportionate to 

 their bravery and endurance, would be 

 truly formidable antagonists. Even the 

 fall of their comrades only seems to re- 

 double their rage, and to stimulate them 

 to increased exertions. 



Too crafty to venture upon close 

 combat, these monkeys retain their posts 

 of vantage on the tree-tops, and hurling 

 from thence every kind of offensive mis- 

 sile that -can be procured, render their 

 attack a matter of exceeding inconveni- 

 ence, even to armed men. During the 

 skirmish, the monkeys distort their feat- 

 ures into strange grimaces, and rend the 

 air with their cries of rage. They have 

 been known to follow boats up the course 

 of a river, keeping pace upon the over- 

 hanging trees, and becoming so trouble- 

 some from the constant shower of sticks, 

 fruits, and other missiles, that the occu- 

 pants of the boats were forced to fire at 

 their assailants, and to kill many of the 

 number before they could be freed from 

 the annoyance. 



This, as well as the foregoing long- 

 tailed monkeys, belongs to that large 

 group of quadrumanous animals called 

 the Guenons, nearly all of which possess similar characteristics of disposition. They are 

 amusing and playful creatures, very active, and move with much grace of deportment. 

 In captivity they are remarkable for their mercurial temperament, their ingenuity in 

 devising and executing small malevolent pranks, and their insatiable appetite for nuts, and 

 other similar dainties. They are curiously sensitive to ridicule, being thrown into furious 

 excitement by any mocking gestures or sounds. Nothing seems to irritate a monkey more 

 than a grin and a chatter, in imitation of its own habits. It will fly at the offender with furious 

 looks and screams of rage, and, unless restrained by chains or bars, would be likely to inflict 

 some damage by its sharp teeth. It will remember the person of its tormentor with singular 

 tenacity of memory, and will ever after be thrown into a state of angry agitation by the sound 

 of the hated voice. 



Although rather tetchy and hot-tempered, and too apt to resent any supposed slight or 

 injury, the Guenons are very capable of education, and in the hands of a kind and gentle 

 teacher can be trained to perform many curious feats. Severity defeats its own aim, and only 

 makes the creature fall back upon the innate obstinacy which is inherent in most animals, and 

 of which the monkey has a large share. But a kind instructor, and one who will never lose 

 his own temper, may take in hand even a savage monkey and reduce it to gentle obedience. 



THE DIANA.— Cercopitkecus Diana. 



