THE TEE-TEE. 



85 



§teM>y 



A very pretty genus of monkeys comes next in order, deriving from the beauty of their 

 fur, the term Callithrix, or "beautiful hair/' Sometimes these animals are called Squirrel 

 Monkeys, partly on account of their shape and size, and partly from the squirrel-like activity 

 that characterizes these light and graceful little creatures. The Tee-tee, or Titi — as the 

 name is sometimes given — is a native of Brazil, and is found in great numbers. Another name 

 for the animal is the Saimiri. 



The Tee-tees form a group, embracing many specimens, mostly small, and delicate in 

 features. The most singular characteristic of these little monkeys is the habit of watching 

 the countenance of its human attendants, as if they were striving to leam what is said to 

 them. 



The colors of the Tee-tee are very 

 diversified. A grayish olive is spread 

 over the body and limbs, the latter being 

 washed with a rich golden hue. The ears 

 are quite white, and the under surface of 

 the body is whitish gray. The tip of the 

 tail is black. 



There are several species of Tee-tee, 

 four of which are in the British Museum. 



They are most engaging little crea- 

 tures, attaching themselves strongly to 

 their possessors, and behaving with a gen- 

 tle intelligence that lifts them far above 

 the greater part of the monkey race. 

 Their temper is most amiable, and anger 

 seems to be almost unknown to them. 

 In the expression of their countenance, 

 there is something of an infantine inno- 

 cence, which impresses itself the more 

 strongly when the little creatures are 

 alarmed. Sudden tears fill the clear hazel 

 eyes, and, by the little, imploring, shrink- 

 ing gestures, they establish an irresisti- 

 ble claim on all kindly sympathies. 



The Tee-tees have a curious habit of 

 watching the lips of those who speak to 

 them, just as if they could understand the 

 words that are spoken, and when they 

 become quite familiar are fond of sitting 



on their friend's shoulder, and laying their tiny fingers on his lips. They seem to have 

 an intuitive idea of the empire of language, and to try, in their own little way, to discover its 

 mysteries. 



A pleasant musky odor exhales from these animals. Their beautiful, furry tails have no 

 prehensile power, but can be wrapped about any object, or even coiled round their own bodies 

 in order to keep them warm. 



The Cuxio, or Bearded Saki, which is represented on page 88, is no less remarkable 

 in its character than in its looks. It is savage in its temper, and liable to gusts of furious 

 passion, during which it is apt to be a very unpleasant neighbor, for it has long sharp teeth, 

 and does not hesitate to use them. 



On examining this animal, the attention is at once drawn to the curious manner in which 

 both extremities of the body are decorated. 



The beard is of a dull black color, and is formed chiefly by hairs which .start from the 

 sides of the jaw and chin, and project forward in the curious fashion which gives the animal 

 so strange an expression. 



TEE-TEE.— Callithrix personala. 



