S. leonina, or the leonine monkey, is supposed to be an inhabitant of Abyssinia, and is two feet in length, from the nose to the tail ; along the face is a great quantity of long hair, extending nearly from the eyes back over the forehead and crown of the head, and from the chin over the neck, and this bushment of hair gives it, in addition to the general form and countenance of the animal, no slight resemblance to the lion, from which it derives its designation. See Mammalia, Plate XIX. fig. 4.
S. mona, or the varied monkey, is one of the largest species, and is nearly two feet in length. It is found in various parts of Africa, and differs much in individuals in respect to colours, which are sometimes bright, and at others dull. In general it is of a dark olive-grey. See Mammalia, Plate XIX. fig. 5.
S. nasalis, or the proboscis monkey, is one of the most curious in its aspect, and most ludicrous of the class. It is about twn fret in length. The face is of an in curvated form, and of a brown colour, and the nose, which is its great singularity, is of such a length and shape, as to give the animal an appearance highly gro tesque. By a groove or furrow running down it, from the beginning to the tip, it is nearly divided into two lobes, and on a side view its extreme projection is near ly as striking and singular, as the former circumstance renders a full one. It is found in the East Indies, where, however, it is somewhat rare. It is said to be more numerous in Cochin China. It feeds on fruits, and is highly untractable and sa vage.
S. beelzebul, or the preacher monkey, is as large as a fox, and is extremely com mon in the woods of Brazil. Travellers have stated that it is usual for one of these to ascend a tree, and, by certain sounds, to collect vast multitudes be neath him, when he commences a howl, so loud as to be heard to a vast distance.
After this has continued for some time, he, by a particular signal, induces those around him to join in the noise, which then becomes most hideous and intole rable. This united clamour at length ceases, and the original howler again proceeds undisturbed in his address. The throat bone of this monkey appears, from dissection, to be particularly constructed for the utterance of strong sounds.
The S. seniculus, or royal monkey, is about the size of a squirrel, and inhabits the damp woody districts of Cayenne, be ing never found on the mountains. In its sounds and manners, it resembles the last species. In the morning and evening, and sometimes on several occasions in the interval, these animals produce such rattling, terrific, and varied noises, as excite the idea of every native of the fo rest being in open cry. And even the sounds of a single one are so powerful as to impress the idea of peril very strongly on the hearer. .These creatures are ex tremely tenacious of life. They will of ten sustain parts of several discharges from guns, before they drop from the tree, which they cling to with the last efforts of existence, sometimes, indeed, maintaining their hold, it is said, by the hands and tail even after death. The two last species belong to the class of monkeys with prehensile tails, or jape jous. The greater number of the animals of this comprehensive genus are said to be remarkably fond of snuff; mustard, and tobacco, which they will eat in considera ble quantities. A great number of spe cies are furnished with cheek-bags, or pouches, where they may deposit, for the convenience of carriage, a supply of food, which will last for several days af ter they have finished their immediate repast. Monkeys are, in some parts of Africa, used for food, and several species are said to be excellent and delicate for this purpose.