APES AND MONKEYS. 



295 



from a million throats. The howlers prepare to offer their tribute 

 of praise also. But how? They have climbed to the dry top 

 branches of a giant tree which rises high above its fellows, have 

 fastened themselves securely by their tails, and are warming them- 

 selves comfortably in the sunshine. Then a feeling of well-being 

 moves them to raise their voices. One of them, distinguished, it is 



Fig 44 —Red Hoi\ling Monkeys (Mycetes semculus) 



said, by a specially high, shrill voice, acts as leader, and, looking 

 fixedly at his companions, begins to chant. The rest look at him 

 with the same motionless vacant stare and join in; and frightfully 

 their song resounds through the forest, now grunting, now howling, 

 now snarling, now rattling, as if all the beasts of the forest were 

 waging deadly warfare. The astounding performance begins with 

 a bellowing solo; these bello wings become louder, follow each other 

 more rapidly as the excitement of the singer — which is probably 

 present though not apparent — increases and spreads to other 



