THE TEE-TEE. 
85 
A very pretty genus of monkeys comes next in order, deriving from the beauty of their 
fur, the term Callithrix, or “beautiful hair.” Sometimes these animals are called Squirrel 
Monkeys, partly on account of their shape and size, and partly from the squirrel-like activity 
that characterizes these light and graceful little creatures. The Tee-tee, or Titi— as the 
name is sometimes given — is a native of Brazil, and is found in great numbers. Another name 
for the animal is the Saimiri. 
The Tee-tees form a group, embracing many specimens, mostly small, and delicate in 
features. The most singular characteristic of these little monkeys is the habit of watching 
the countenance of its human attendants, as if they were striving to learn what is said to 
them. 
The colors of the Tee-tee are very 
diversified. A grayish olive is spread 
over the body and limbs, the latter being 
washed with a rich golden hue. The ears 
are quite white, and the under surface of 
the body is whitish gray. The tip of the 
tail is black. 
There are several species of Tee-tee, 
four of which are in the British Museum. 
They are most engaging little crea- 
tures, attaching themselves strongly to 
their possessors, and beha\ ing with a gen- 
tle intelligence that lifts them far above 
the greater part of the monkey race. 
Their temper is most amiable, and anger 
seems to be almost unknown to them. 
In the expression of their countenance, 
there is something of an infantine inno- 
cence, which impresses itself the more 
strongly when the little creatures are 
alarmed. Sudden tears fill the clear hazel 
eyes, and, by the little, imploring, shrink- 
ing gestures, they establish an irresisti- 
ble claim on all kindly sympathies. 
The Tee-tees have a curious habit of 
watching the lips of those who speak to 
them, just as if they could understand the 
words that are spoken, and when they 
become quite familiar are fond of sitting 
on their friend’s shoulder, and laying their tiny fingers on his lips. They seem to have 
an intuitive idea of the empire of language, and to try, in their own little way, to discover its 
mysteries. 
A pleasant musky odor exhales from these animals. Their beautiful, furry tails have no 
prehensile power, but can be wrapped about any object, or even coiled round their own bodies 
in order to keep them warm. 
The Cuxio, or Bearded Saki, which is represented on page 88, is no less remarkable 
in its character than in its looks. It is savage in its temper, and liable to gusts of furious 
passion, during which it is apt to be a very unpleasant neighbor, for it has long sharp teeth, 
and does not hesitate to use them. 
On examining this animal, the attention is at once drawn to the curious manner in which 
both extremities of the body are decorated. 
The beard is of a dull black color, and is formed chiefly by hairs which start from the 
sides of the jaw and chin, and project forward in the curious fashion which gives the animal 
so strange an expression. 
