Another species, the Midas leoninas, or Jacchus Rosalia, inhabits the
Upper Amazon. It is only seven inches in length. It is so named on
account of the long brown mane which hangs from the neck, and gives it
very much the appearance of a diminutive lion.
One of these little creatures, kept tame, became familiar with every
one, and used to climb up the chairs, over their shoulders and heads,
just as a squirrel does. Mr Bates relates that one he met with, having
reached his shoulder, looked into his face, showing his little teeth,
and chattering, as though it would say, "Well, and how do you do?" It
exhibited more affection towards its master than to strangers, and would
climb up to his head a dozen times in an hour, and make great show of
searching for certain animalcule.
Audubon the naturalist possessed a little creature of this species,
which could distinguish different objects depicted in an engraving. On
showing it the portrait of a cat and a wasp, it became much terrified;
but when the figure of a grasshopper or beetle was placed before it, it
precipitated itself on the picture, as if to seize them.
Another, which belonged to a lady, used, when angry, to pull at her
hair, and nibble the ends of her ringlets. It also possessed the
accomplishment of being able to stand on its head.
It is certainly one of the most beautiful of its tribe. It is covered
with long glossy locks of a bright and lustrous chestnut, having a
golden sheen, almost varying in texture with the fine fibres of unwoven
silk. The colour darkens somewhat on the paws. The fur is everywhere
long, but on the head and shoulders it is of extraordinary length in
proportion to the size of the animal, which has thus gained a name very
inappropriate to its disposition, as it is an especially timid little
creature, and unable to do battle with any foe. It is, however, so
active and clever in hiding itself, that it is enabled to escape from
its enemies. When pleased, its voice is soft and gentle; but when angry
or terrified, it utters a somewhat sharp hiss.