160 



FOUR-HANDED FOLK. 



as a pet. The people of the countries in Central 

 and South America, where the spicier monkey is 

 found, are the greatest pet-keepers in the world. 

 Not only monkeys of every sort, and interesting 

 small animals, share their homes and their affec- 

 tions, but every live creature, from a stupid- 

 looking tapir down to a mouse, may be found 

 living w r ith people in the most amicable way. 



The coaita is a favorite, partly because of his 

 droll performances and amusing antics, where- 

 ever he may live ; but much of his popularity 

 is the result of his gentle manners and amiable 

 disposition. He is extremely affectionate and 

 social in his tastes ; being alone almost breaks 

 his heart ; and abusive or even unkind words 

 make him very unhappy, all of which has been 

 shown in the story of Gila. 



Then, too, he is as fond of pets as the natives 

 themselves. Other monkeys, even dogs or cats, 

 readily become the objects of his loving-kindness, 

 and have to endure hugs, not always agreeable 

 to them, which they sometimes resent violently. 

 Besides his gentleness, this creature is very in- 

 telligent and easily tamed, becoming so attached 

 to his owner that he will follow like a dog. He 

 is not so restless as other monkeys of that coun- 

 try, but he is ingenious in his devices, and per- 

 severing in carrying out his plans. 



One traveler tells of the interesting way in 



