576 
MAMMALIA. 
the dissection of human bodies was sternly interdicted. Galen, 
seeing the great apparent analogy between the skeleton of Man and 
that of the Monkey, believed he could employ it in composing his 
work on human anatomy. What is very strange, is, that this 
anatomy of Man, taken from the Monkey, sufficed during a long 
period for the requirements of surgery and medicine. When, in the 
sixteenth century, the illustrious anatomist Andreas Yesalius de- 
monstrated that Galen had described the organs of the Monkey for 
those of Man, he had much difficulty in getting any one to accept 
this truth. This proves two things : first, that the structure of 
the Monkey, whatever may he said to the contrary, is but little 
different from that of Man ; and, secondly, that there is no truth, 
however clear and simple it may he, which will not find its 
opponents and its sceptics. 
The Magots inhabit certain regions of North Africa, principally 
Algeria and Morocco. They live in numerous hands on the wooded 
mountains which intersect these countries ; and make frequent 
incursions into the gardens of the unfortunate natives, pillaging 
the orange trees and the fig trees, as well as the melon and 
tomatoe-beds. These depredations are carried on with much 
intelligence and great precaution. They dispose themselves in 
echelon from the wall of the inclosure to a certain part of the 
garden, passing the plunder from one to another, as soon as col- 
lected by the most venturous. Two or three videttes, placed on 
an elevated spot, keep a look-out in the neighbourhood. At the 
least sign of danger they give a cry of alarm, when the whole 
hand quickly decamp. 
Magots are found in Europe, on the rock of Gibraltar, but 
their number is very limited. It is generally believed that they 
are derived from individuals which had been imported from Africa 
and escaped from captivity. Some authors, however, pretend that 
naturally they belong to the Spanish Eauna, and they explain this 
by the supposition that the Straits of Gibraltar did not always 
exist, and that the European and African Continents at one time 
were united at this part by an isthmus ; but the hypothesis 
which allots the Magot to the Iberian Eauna, is scarcely pro- 
bable. 
At whatever period of life it may be taken, the Magot has its 
face wrinkled and old-looking. When young it is gentle and 
