76 
VERTEBRATA. 
2. 
THE MONKEYS 
CATAKKHIIVJE. 
The terras ^47^6 and Monkey/ are loosely applied, in common 
language, to all or either of the monkey-like species. Ajje, how- 
ever, more properly belongs to tliose which are destitute of tails, 
and monkey to those which have them. We now come to the 
Catarrhine portion of the latter division, embracing the numer- 
ous species of the Eastern Continent, 
Genus SEMNOPITHECUS.— This term is derived from the 
Greek semnos, venerable, and pithekos, an ape — one prominent 
species, the Eutellus, being held sacred by the Hindoos. The ani- 
mals of this genus are confined to Southern Asia and the Asiatic 
islands. They are marked by ckeek-pouches, and callosities on 
their haunches. The form of their body is slender and elongated : the extremities are also of 
great length, as in the Gibbon — the hinder ones, however, being the longest. The tails are much 
longer in the semnopithecs than in any of the ordinary monkeys. Though slender, these possess 
a very considerable degree of muscular power, and enter as an important constituent into the 
motions and progression of the animals. When they are at rest, the tails are allowed to hang 
down perpendicularly, and, from their great length, Avhich considerably exceeds that of the 
animal's body, have a very droll effect, which is heightened by the air of imperturbable gravity 
belonging to the creatures themselves. When they are unemployed, this is their general aspect .* 
they exhibit the very picture of sadness and melancholy, and appear as if perfectly regardless of 
every thing that passes around them ; but when roused or excited, they are capable of the most 
surprising exertions, and astonish the spectator by a rapidity, variety, and precision of move- 
ments, which could scarcely be anticipated from creatures apparentl}' so apathetic in mind and 
delicate in body. They are in reality far from meriting the. name of Sloio Monkeys, Avhich some 
zoologists have given them. Their slowness is exhibited in disposition more than in action, and 
is an attribute of character rather than of structure. When young, they are readily domesticated ; 
but being less petulant, curious, and restless than the Cercopithecs, Baboons, and some others, they 
