Scientific Intelligence. — Zoology. 197 



it is the under or outer eyelid that is possessed of the greatest 

 ■degree of motion, the upper or inner one being almost fixed. 

 At first sight, it would appear that, in order to possess this la- 

 teral motion, the muscular apparatus of the external eye must 

 deviate from that of the other animals of the class Mammalia, 

 and that a separate muscle must be in existence, attached to the 

 outer or lower eyelid. Upon looking more attentively, however, 

 we observe the inner canthus of the eye situate very low down 

 on the face, — and this circumstance, perhaps, may account for 

 the manner in which he shuts his eyes. The orbicularis oculi 

 muscle must be very powerful ; and from this position of the 

 inner canthus of the eye, and the insertion of the muscle being 

 in consequence of this also low down in the face, it will act 

 chiefly on the outer or lower eyelid, and, drawing it towards 

 the inner or upper one, which is only partially moveable, 

 thus close the eye in a diagonal direction. It is to be la- 

 mented, however, that Sir Anthony Carlisle's attention had 

 not been directed to this peculiar appearance before he dis- 

 sected the specimen he had possession of, as the existence 

 of a separate muscle attached to the lower eyelid in this animal, 

 would form a remarkable exception to the other mammalia. 

 — Another very remarkable appearance is presented by his 

 tongue. Beneath the tongue proper, if I may so call it, which 

 is somewhat like that of the cat, but not rough, is another 

 tongue, white coloured, narrow, and very sharp-pointed, which 

 he projects along with the former one when he eats or drinks, 

 though he has apparently the power of retaining it within his 

 mouth when he chooses. I have not seen any particular use ifj 

 which he applies it ; but from its sharpness it would appear as 

 if it was formed for puncturing soft fruits, which he is very 

 fond of, and which, no doubt, form part of his food in his na- 

 tive woods. Perhaps it may be calculated for catching insects, as 

 he eats grasshoppers, spiders, &c. I have never seen it project- 

 ed alone, however, but always in company with the other. It 

 is somewhat singular that this double tongue has escaped the 

 notice of naturalists, and even of Sir A. Carhsle. The index fin- 

 ger of the posterior extremity is furnished with a sickle-shaped 

 claw ; all the other fingers have flat nails. — Small birds, and soft 

 fruits, such as the plantain, are his favourite food. Rice, sugar 



