17G 
VEKTEBKATA. 
THE ICT1D£S ALBlFliOiNS. — (See p. 177.) 
the ground. They are nearly of the size of a cat ; the color is f^^^vr\, mixed with gray and blaclc, 
becoming paler on the under parts. The tail is half the length of the body, and is slightly 
anmilated. Like certain monlceys, they often gnaw off their tails, — whether because they ache 
or itch, or are too long for conyenience, or whether as a matter of taste, is not known. They are 
semi-plantigrade, but they have strong, sharp claAVs, and are expert climbers. Their ^^oice, when 
pleased, is a soft grumble ; when angry, they utter a sharjD, strong cry. Their food consists of 
insects, worms, snails, fruits, honey, eggs, birds, and other small animals. They are not ferocions, 
and easily become tamed ; they are, however, restless in captivity, but possess a kind of gentle 
curiosity, which excites interest. In the menagerie at Paris, there are several of them, which arc 
kept with the monkeys, to which, in common with the raccoon, they have a certain analogy. 
The CoATi MoNDi, or the Bbown Coati, JVastia narica, is the only one of the species that 
appears to be well established. The word mondi means solitary, and is used to distinguish this 
species from another, the Social Coati. Tschudi makes out five species : the Social Coati, the 
Solitary Coati, the Coati leucorhyncha, the Ba.nded Coati, and the Mountain Coati. But Gervais, 
after a careful examination, reduces them to one — that which we have named above — the 
distinctions of size, color, &c., showing only varieties and not specific differences. This conclusion 
seems to be justified by the fact that, with abundant opportunities, only one species, the Coati 
Mo7idi, has come under familiar observation at the menageries. This animal is found from 
Mexico to Brazil. 
