SMALL WILD ANIMALS 53 



a rather large animal, light brown in color and with a com- 

 paratively short tail. The males, which are very likely to 

 to become fierce as they mature, are larger than the females. 

 This is a hardy species, easily kept. 



Of the New World monkeys, most of which are char- 

 acterized by the long, prehensile tail, the Capuchins or 

 Sapajous are the most common in captivity. They belong 

 to the family Cebid^, which includes all of the larger mon- 

 keys of the Western Hemisphere. The Capuchins are active 

 and easily kept, tame individuals being affectionate and 

 amusing. Monkeys of this genus are seen more frequently 

 than any others, in the possession of organ-grinders. One 

 of the best known species is the White-thhoated Capu- 

 chin, or "Ringtail" {Cebus hypoleucus). It is some- 

 what larger than a cat, its head and throat being nearly 

 white, the remainder grayish brown. 



The Marmosets, which form the family Callitrichid^, 

 are found only in tropical America. There are a large num- 

 ber of species, all characterized by their diminutive size 

 and squirrel-like habits. Marmosets make attractive pets, 

 but generally do not live long in captivity. It is essential 

 that they be kept warm and dry, as such conditions are 

 necessary if they are to remain in health. Ripe fruit, bread 

 and milk, biscuits, vegetables, insects and an occasional 

 young sparrow are the usual items of diet. The most freely 

 imported species is the Common Marmoset (CalUthrix 

 jacchus), of Brazil. It is a tiny creature, light brown 

 above and blackish below. The head is black, with long, 

 white ear-tufts, while the tail is banded with black and 

 white. 



The Opossum 



The Virginia Opossum {Didelphis virginiana) belongs 

 to the order Marsupxalia, the members of which are char- 



