HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 435 



hands and tails as they throw themfelves from one 

 branch to another, and maintain themfelves fo firmly, 

 that, even when fhot, they remain fixed to the trees 

 where they die. 



The flefli of the Ouarine is good; and is not only 

 eaten by the natives, but alfo by Europeans who frequent 

 thofe parts. 



The COAITA 



is fomewhat lefs than the Ouarine. Its body and limbs 

 are long and flender ; hair black and rough ; tail long, 

 and naked on the under fide. 



This animal is found in the neighbourhood of Car- 

 thagena, in Guiana, Brazil, and Peru. — Great numbers 

 aflbciate together. — They feldom appear on the ground ; 

 but live moftly in trees, and feed on fruits : When thefe 

 are not to be had, they are faid to eat fiihes, worms, and 

 infects; are extremely dexterous in catching their prey, 

 and make great ufe of their tails in feizing it. 



The Coaitas are very lively and active.—- In pafling 

 from one tree to another, they fometimes form a chain, 

 linked to each other by their tails ; and fwing in that 

 manner till the loweft catches hold of a branch, and 

 draws up the reft. When fruits are ripe, they are ge- 

 nerally fat ; and their fleih is then faid to be excellent. 



There are many varieties of the Coaita, which differ 

 chiefly in colour. Some are totally black, others brown, 

 and fome have white hair on the under parts of the body. 

 —They are called Spider Monhies by Edwards, on ac- 

 count of the length and flendernefs of their legs and tails. 



£ e z 



