xuriant regions.

Unlike the peaceful repose which presides over animal life on the level
heights, are the constant aggressions and combats which prevail in the
forest regions. There the strong attack the weak, and the cunning
inveigle the unwary: strength and intelligence, caution and instinct,
are unceasingly in active operation. The variegated forms and colors
which meet the eye, and the multifarious cries and tones which resound
through the woods, form, altogether, the most singular contrast. The
gold-feathered colibri hums lightly through the air, soaring over the
heavy, sombre-colored tapir. The sprightly singing-bird pours forth his
melodious chants amidst the thick foliage of the aged trees, whilst the
fierce ounce, prowling for his prey, growls as he passes over their
enormous, spreading roots. Slowly do the eye and the ear learn to
distinguish individuals in the vast mass of apparent chaotic confusion,
and to recognise quickly fleeting forms, or distant resounding sounds.

The whole of the animal world is here developed to the view, and it
would be difficult to assign the predominance to any one class. Yet,
perhaps, the variegated feathered tribe is relatively most extensively
represented. The number of the mammalia is also important. They are
seldom seen by the hunter during the day, but twilight draws them from
their hiding-places.

Troops of monkeys skip from tree to tree, looking timidly around, and
uttering mournful howls. Among them are swarms of the black marimonda
(_Ateles_), with slender long arms and red-brown or black faces; in some
the faces are encircled with white hair (_Ateles marginatus_, Geoff.),
which gives them a striking resemblance to an old negro. Next is seen a
group of silver-grey monkeys (_Lagothrix Humboldtii_, Geoff.), stalking
over heaps of broken branches and twigs in search of a resting-place.
These monkeys, which are the largest in South America, are about three
feet high, and are bold and vicious. When wounded they take a position
of defence against the hunter, struggling, and uttering loud cries, upon
which their companions hasten down from the trees to assist them. But
soon a short stifled cry is heard: it is the cry of mortal convulsion.
That sound drives them instantly back, and they disperse in wild flight.
The sly sayu ventures to approach the dwellings of men, where he
plunders maize fields with incredible dexterity. The delicate
silky-haired monkey, shivering at every