seen
gambolling among the branches,--now running round and round the trunk of
a perpendicular tree, now with their sharp claws rapidly mounting the
branches, sending down showers of rotten bark and twigs, and uttering
sharp twittering cries,--they might be mistaken for a troop of
squirrels.

They are restless, inquisitive little creatures, possessed of a large
share of curiosity. When a stranger is passing through the forest, they
invariably stop for a few moments to have a stare at him.

Though in no way related to squirrels, which belong to the rodent order,
they may easily be mistaken for them at a distance. They are all of
small size, and very similar, in their mode of climbing, to squirrels.
Their nails, also, except those of the hind-thumbs, are long and
claw-shaped; and the thumbs of the fore extremities, or hands, are not
opposable to the other fingers. Their bodies are long and slender,
clothed with soft hair; and their tails, though not prehensile, are
nearly twice the length of their bodies.

MIDAS URSULUS.

The midas ursulus is found in the Lower Amazon, frequently in the
neighbourhood of towns, and it seems much less afraid of man than most
other monkeys. It is seldom that more than three or four individuals
are seen together. It moves generally among the larger boughs and
trunks of trees, its long nails assisting it to cling securely to the
bark.

It lives on both animal and vegetable food; the former including various
insects, eggs, and occasionally a young bird--while its vegetable diet
consists of all the sweetest fruits it can find. The smaller insects--
flies, and other soft-bodied creatures--it pops into its mouth whole;
but when eating a larger one--such as a cockroach--it nips off the head,
wings, and legs, before putting it into its mouth.

It has gained the name of oustiti, in consequence of its giving vent to
a little sharp whistle when alarmed or irritated; but it otherwise
generally preserves silence.

The midas ursulus is about nine inches long; and the tail measures
fifteen inches. It is clothed in a thick, long fur, and has a
reddish-brown streak down the middle of the back.

It is often seen in the houses at Para, and when treated kindly becomes
very tame and familiar. When, however, strangers approach it, its dark,
watchful eyes, expressive of distrust, observe every movement which
takes place.

MIDAS LEONINAS, OR JACCHUS ROSALIA.

Another species, the Midas leonina