al is of considerable size, and is covered with coarse black
hair--with the exception of the face, parts of which are of a tawny
flesh-coloured hue. There are various species, each of which has its
peculiar district; and they vary slightly in appearance.

In the neighbourhood of Obydos, the Ateles paniscus has its abode; while
in the Upper Amazon the white-whiskered coaita (Ateles marginatus) takes
its place. It is remarkable that animals which apparently have the
means of moving without difficulty at a rapid rate in any direction
should thus be confined to particular localities.

THE CHEMECK.

The chemeck appears to have a wider range. It possesses a thumb,
slightly projecting, and furnished with a nail--though the thumb cannot
be used like that of a human being, as it is incapable of being opposed
to the fingers. It is a gentle creature, and capable of considerable
cultivation. Although playfully inclined, it is seldom spiteful; while
its disposition is very different from that exhibited by the capricious
temper of the Old World monkeys. It soon learns to distinguish its
friends; and will playfully pretend to attack them, but never does any
real harm. It is covered with a long fur, which falls densely over the
body; as is its tail, which at once distinguishes it from its relatives.
The ear is somewhat similar to that of man, but has no lower lobe. The
nostrils open at the sides, and are separated by a wide piece of
cartilage. The habits, however, of the ateles, are so similar, that
they require no separate description.

Wandering through the forest with an Indian guide, we reach an igarape
or stream, where the lofty branches of the trees do not completely meet
overhead, but where the opening is as yet of no great width. Lying
concealed, we hear a strange chattering and rustling among the foliage
in the distance. Pieces of rotten wood, husks, and nuts come dropping
down, and we may see the boughs alive with numberless dark-haired little
creatures, their long lithe tails twisting and twirling, their active
limbs stretched out in all directions, as they make their way through
the forest. We recognise them as a troop of ateles, migrating to some
other district, or on some expedition in search of food.

On reaching the boughs above the banks of the stream, they seem somewhat
puzzled. Several of the elders of the tribe go to the outer ends of the
boughs, and appear to be measuring the distance across. As t