THE SAJOUS. 



65 



mentary thumb without a nail. The above 

 described functions of the tail are developed 

 in the spider-monkeys, of which several 

 species are known, to the very highest degree: 

 the movements of these creatures and the posi- 

 tions which with the aid of their tail they can 

 assume are the most singular. They are 

 often hunted for their fur and flesh, and when 

 pursued they seek to make their escape 

 through the tree-tops with the utmost rapidity, 

 always sending out their tail in advance so 

 as to make sure of their hold. Gentle and 

 amiable in captivity they have an extremely 

 droll appearance, on account of the contrast 

 between their comical attitudes and the grimly 

 melancholy expression of their countenance. 



THE SAJOUS 



(CEBID^). 



Tail long and strong, completely coxered with hair, and 

 serving only as a prehensile organ, not as an organ 

 of touch. 



The tail has flattened vertebra; at the end 

 as in the Gymnurs, but no naked parts. It 

 is used as a means of making the creature 

 secure in its position and as an aid in climb- 

 ing, but only seldom to hang by and ne\'er to 

 touch or seize food by. In form and be- 

 haviour these creatures ha\'e most resemblance 

 to the Cercopitheci. While awake they are 

 constantly in motion, capricious, intelligent, 

 sly and cunning, given to teasing, even some- 

 what malicious, very ready to associate not 

 only with man but also with other animals, 

 but as a rule capable of learning only what is 

 of use to themselves, not so easily taught to 

 perform tricks. The fur is short and thick, 

 and often peculiar adornments in the shape 

 of beard, whiskers, and tufts of hair are to be 

 seen about the head and face. The face is 

 naked, mostly also marked with wrinkles 

 and folds, which gives them a dismal appear- 

 ance, all the more apt to excite pity since they 

 have a childish whining voice, on which 

 account thev are sometimes called the whining 



monkeys. In terror and anger the voice 

 becomes extremely harsh, but besides the 

 notes ot tear and rage they ha\-c a whole 

 register ot notes at their command to summon 

 their comrades or mates, to warn, and to serve 

 other purposes. Their movements are dex- 

 terous, graceful, and rapid, although not so 

 lively as in the guenons. When fleeing they 

 regularly make their way through the tops of 



Fig 16 — The Minki Spider monkey { Itcles ertodes) 



the high trees, from which they descend only 

 to plunder fields or to drink. Their food is 

 indeed in great part vegetable, but they are 

 very expert in the catching of insects and 

 small birds, and do not let slip any opportunity 

 of regaling themselves with dainties of that 

 sort. These creatures also are frequently 

 hunted by the Indians for their flesh and fur, 

 but are extremely shy, and as a rule can only 

 be surprised with the blow-pipe from some 

 carefully contrived place of concealment. 

 The single genus Cebus forms the entire 



.^i 



