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NATURAL HISTORY. 
1 HE BLACK-HEADED SAKI* 
This, like the last, must be enumerated among the more remarkable Monkeys of the New World, 
from all of which it is to be immediately distinguished by the extreme shortness of the tail, a structure 
which would seem to make it the representative of the Baboons of the Old Continent. It is, in fact, 
the only one hitherto discovered in America whose tail does not exceed three inches in length. It is 
altogether a small species, that described by Humboldt measuring little more than one foot five inches 
from the head to the feet. In its adult state, however, it is described as reaching the length of another 
foot. Its disposition is inactive, phlegmatic, but very docile- It eats with avidity all sorts of fruits — 
sweet or sour. These it will seize by stretching out both hands at once, bending the back and body at 
THE WHITE-HEADED SAKI. 
the same time in a forward attitude. The physiognomy has a much more human expression than 
that of the generality of Monkeys, particularly in the face, which is naked and black. Its profile 
is not much unlike the Ethiopian. The head is oval, but flattened on the sides. On the eyelids* 
mouth, and chin there are a few stiff hairs, but the chin has no beard. The ears are large, and 
like those of the human subject, are naked. The fur is long, shining, and of a uniform yellowish- 
brown colour over the whole of the body. The fingers are much lengthened, the nails rather flat;; 
and the tail, notwithstanding its shortness, is thick, and almost naked towards its extremity. 
Broderip compares its face to one of the old withered negroes, who, by great respectability oft 
conduct, have gained their freedom. Another variety is the White-headed Saki,t of which we give 
an illustration. 
* Pitliecia melanocephala. 
f Pitliecia leucocephala. 
