The LION MONKEY.
The monkey tribe is divided into three claſſes—Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys.
Monkeys are characteriſed by having a long tail; and are again ſubdivided, by Mr. Buffon, into two claſſes; diſtinguiſhed by the uſe they make of their tail in many of the friſky manœuvres and tricks this ſpecies of animal is ſo famous for. To the one the tale is called prehenſile, and ſerves almoſt the purpoſe of another hand; for this they readily twiſt round the branch of a tree, and by it ſuſpend themſelves hanging in the air, head downwards; it alſo ſecures them in their feat, while the feet are otherwiſe employed. The other kind do not enjoy this uſeful property of the tail; which, Mr. Buffon has obſerved, belongs to none of the Monkey tribe of the old Continent: on the other hand, thoſe of the old world poſſeſs a cavity or pouch on each ſide the jaw, which ſerves as a ſtore-room for proviſion, and which thoſe of America do not enjoy. Thus the diminiſhed activity in the uſefulneſs of the tail is balanced, by an opportunity of laying in ſtore that, which elſe, might not at all times be ſo readily acquired.
The Monkey here repreſented is called the Lion or Silken Monkey; the colour and appearance of the hair about the ſhoulders reſembling that of the Lion; the hair over the whole of the body is long and very fine, with a moſt beautiful and ſilky appearance; the tail is long. This animal, when ſitting, did not exceed 10 inches in height.
It is the practice of the Lion Monkey to take up his abode in a large melon, or gourd, which having previouſly excavated, and lined with ſoft cotton, forms a comfortable habitation.
It is a Native of South America, particularly Guiana, and the Braſils; is rather delicate, but gentle and frolickſome.
