Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/36

26 with its economy is not known. The tail is shorter than in its congeners, and slightly tufted: a full beard adorns the sides of the face, curling upwards under the chin almost to the nose. The colours of this singular species are very beautiful; a fine pale red is the general hue, varied on the head and shoulders by rich chestnut, and on the cheeks and under parts by pale yellow; the limbs as well as the tail and rump are ashy, and the face and palms lead-coloured.

The male Kahau is a Monkey of large size; and from the development of his canine teeth, must be a formidable adversary: he has been described as of a savage and violent disposition, displaying courage and even ferocity in defence. We know, however, little of its habits. It is a native of Borneo, where, associating in large troops, they utter loud cries, which articulate the sound, Kahau. The species is not known in a state of captivity.

We content ourselves with a mere notice of the genera Colobus and Cercopithecus, both peculiar to Africa; the former of which is distinguished from the preceding genus by the rudimentary character of the fore thumbs; while the latter, having the hands well developed, have cheek- pouches and a simple stomach. ‘These are the most common Monkeys of our menageries, and may be readily known by the hairs of the fur being annulated, giving a mottled character to the hue.

The Baboons are well known for their great heads and enormously developed muzzles, their