466 NIGHT APES. 



Though in the daytime it appears torpid and dull, yet at 

 night, shaking off its drowsiness, its large dull eyes, which 

 shrunk from the rays of the sun, are full of eager animation 

 as it sets off in quest of its prey. So active and quick- 

 sighted is it, that it catches the rapidly-flying insects as they 

 flit by, or chases the beetles as they run over the bark of the 

 trees on which it lives. 



Mr. Bates describes a tame one he met with, which was 

 excessively confiding in its disposition, very lively and nimble, 

 and in no way mischievous. It delighted to be caressed by 

 all persons who came into the house. It used to sleep in the 

 hammock of its owner, or nestle in his bosom half the day as 

 he lay reading. From the cleanliness of its habits, and the 

 prcttiness of its features and ways, it was a great favourite 

 with every one. He himself had a similar pet, which was 

 kept in a box, in which was placed a broad-mouthed glass 

 jar. Into this it would dive when any one entered the room, 

 and, turning round, thrust forth its inquisitive face to stare 

 at the intruder. It was very active at night, giving vent at 

 intervals to a hoarse cry, like the suppressed bark of a dog, 

 and scampering about the room after cockroaches and spiders. 

 Although it preferred insects, it ate all kinds of fruit, but 

 would nut touch either raw or cooked meat. Its brothers, 

 when let loose about the house, are very useful in clearing the 

 chambers of bats, as well as insects and vermin. 



It is monogamous. The ei-a and its wife may often be dis- 

 covered together tending their small family in some hollow 

 trunk. Its cry is wonderfully loud, considering its small size ; 

 and curious as it may seem, is not unlike the roar of the 

 jaguar. It can also hiss or spit in the fashion of an angry 

 cat, while it utters a curious mew resembling the same crea- 



