CLASS MAMMALIA. 



265 



FIG. 462. 



Foot and Hand of Lemur. 



resentatives naturally fall into two divisions : the Lemurs 

 (ie'merz), restricted to the Old World, and the Anthro- 

 poidea (an thro poici'e a) of both hemispheres. Though 

 now only found in the Old World, Madagascar presenting 

 the greatest variety of forms, geology 

 has shown that the latter once inhab- 

 ited America. 



The Lemurs* present many points 

 of structure which might unite them 

 with lower forms were it not that 

 their more important peculiarities are 

 distinctly ape-like. The muzzle is sharp 

 and fox-like ; the feet are prehensile ; the first digit is 

 of large size ; and the second toe may be armed with a 

 long claw; but the other digits, including those of the 

 hands, are generally terminated with nails. 



The Aye-aye (i i)f in- 

 habits Madagascar, where 

 it has so long been pro- 

 tected by the natives, who 

 regard it with superstition, 

 that it has lost all fear of 

 man. With its large ears 

 and acute sense of hearing 

 it discovers the where- 

 abouts of boring insects ; 



C'fiei'romys mad a gas cari en' sis. Aye-aye. . , . ,, ., n 



with its sharp teeth it pulls 

 away the bark, and then with its /// *""//// elongated and 



* Lemur means spectre, and is descriptive of the nocturnal habits and 

 stealthy step of the- animal. In fact, it is known among sailors as the " Mada- 

 gascar Cat." 



t It is an illustration of what is known as a comprehensive type, since it 

 possesses peciiliarities which link it to different orders the Quadrumana and the 

 Bodents. 



FIG. 463. 



