Copy 2

Animals in menageries / By William Swainson.

  • William Swainson
Date:
1838
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Animals in menageries / By William Swainson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    39/388 page 31
    LITTLE STRIATED MONKEY. 3! the breast ; and this act seems to have destroyed the monstrous and perverted feelings of the mother, as from that moment she bestowed upon them the natural affection of a parent. The father also joined her in her cares ; for, when the female was fatigued by carrying the little ones, she would approach the male, sending forth a gently plaintive cry. He seemed perfectly con- scious of her meaning, for he would immediately hasten to relieve her: taking their offspring gently in his arms, he would place them upon his belly or upon his back, where they seemed to cling with perfect security ; and in this manner he would carry them about until they again wanted an infant's food. This was constantly re- peated: the father, in short, seemed to take nearly all their burthen upon himself, while the mother merely gave them support. Unfortunately, however, this in- teresting scene was cut short by the death of both ; ori- ginating in the mother losing her natural supply of food. Every attempt was made to rear the little strangers by hand, but without success. Although, from its diminu- tive size, and facility of living in confinement, the striated monkey is a favourite with many, it seems in- capable of affection, even to the hand that feeds it. It mistrusts all ; and menaces indifferently those whom one would think it well knew, and those who are strangers. Neither does it show much intelligence, although it is attentive and suspicious of every thing which is passing. When under the influence of fear, it strives to conceal itself, uttering a short but piercing cry; at other times it hisses. In confinement, it has been stated, that these individuals exhibited but little vivacity or agility of motion, and that they use much precaution in ascending and descending in their cage: it is thence inferred that the striated monkey is much in- ferior, in point of activity, to the squirrel. This infer- ence, however, is perfectively deceptive. We have personally seen this animal in its native forests: it lives only among the loftiest trees, and always in societies of six or seven. So rapidly do they bound from branch to
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