460 MIDAS URSULUS — MIDAS LEONINAS. 



MIDAS URSULUS. 



The midas ursulus is found in tlio Lower Amazon, fre- 

 quently in the neighbourhood of towns, and it seems much 

 less afraid of man than most other monkeys. It is seldom 

 that more than three or four individuals are seen together. 

 It moves generally among the larger boughs and trunks 

 of trees, its long nails assisting it to cling securely to the 

 bark. 



It lives on both animal and vegetable food; the former in- 

 cluding various insects, eggs, and occasionally a young bird — - 

 while its vegetable diet consists of all the sweetest fruits it 

 can find. The smaller insects — flies, and other soft-bodied 

 creatures — it pops into its mouth whole ; but when eating a 

 larger one — such as a cockroach— it nips off the head, wings, 

 and legs, before putting it into its mouth. 



It has gained the name of oustiti, in consequence of its 

 giving vent to a little sharp whistle when alarmed or irritated ; 

 but it otherwise generally preserves silence. 



The midas ursulus is about nine inches long ; and the tail 

 measures fifteen inches. It is clothed in a thick, long fur, 

 and has a reddish-brown streak down the middle of the back. 



It is often seen in the houses at Para, and when treated 

 kindly becomes very tame and familiar. When, however, 

 strangers approach it, its dark, watchful eyes, expressive of 

 distrust, observe every movement which takes place. 



MIDAS LEONINAS, oil JACCHUS ROSALIA. 



Another species, the Midas leoninas, or Jacchus Rosalia, 

 inhabits the Upper Amazon. It is only seven inches in 

 length. It is so named on account of the long brown mane 



