208 
ANIMALS. 
Peccary this gland should be completely removed, otherwise the 
whole flesh becomes infected with a poisonous putrescence, from 
which is supposed to originate many of the disgusting cutaneous 
diseases visible among the poorer classes. 
The monkey tribes next claim attention, not only from their 
numerous varieties, but because they serve, by their droll mim- 
icries and sportive gambols, to enliven the beauteous scenery of 
the mountains and river margins. Conspicuous among them are 
the Spider monkey (Ateles paniscus), the Preacher (Mycetes 
beelzebub), and the Howling monkey (If. ur sinus). The cries of 
the latter kind resound throughout the forests, startling its echoes 
like the roar of some monstrous beast. The Spider monkeys gen- 
enrally associate together in great numbers, and assail those who 
disturb them in their haunts with a shower of dry or withered 
sticks broken from the trees : indeed, no one in passing a group 
of these singular creatures is entirely free from the danger of 
being struck by their missiles. The Preacher monkey (so called 
from its ludicrous imitation of a ranting orator, both in gesture 
and vehemence of exjn-ession) is somewhat interesting, and often 
serves to amuse the traveller in the loitering journeys of this 
portion of the republic. 
The inhabitants make but little use either of the skins or furs 
of the wild animals found here, though many of them are of con- 
siderable value. That of the Tiger is particularly beautiful, and 
the hunter and trapper might realize amid the wilds of Tehuan- 
tepec a handsome return for their captures. 
It has been truly observed, that as Africa is the country of 
beasts, so Mexico is the country of birds. This is especially true 
of the southern provinces ; and among the almost endless varieties 
peculiar to the Isthmus, a large proportion of them are valuable 
either for the food they furnish, the beautiful plumage in which 
they are decked, or the sweet songs they pour forth in the sylvan 
bowers of the primeval forest. 
Among the Kaptores, or birds of prey, is the Eagle, Vulture, 
Hawk, Buzzard, Owl, &c. Of the former, there are several varie- 
ties, including the White-headed sea-eagle (Halioetus leucoceplia- 
lus), which, is very common on the Pacific coast. Of the Yul- 
TURiDiE family we may mention the King-vulture (SarcoramjjMis 
