108 ON THE LEMURIWE. 



abundant in certain gum-forests in the great desert of Sahara, where they are 

 captured for the sake of their flesh. 



In the development of the organs of hearing, and in the acuteness of this sense, 

 we trace an analogy between the Galagos and the Bats. A vast expanse of naked 

 sensitive membrane, with reduplicatures, adding to the extent of surface sur 

 rounding the auditory aperture, is in many of the Bats a most conspicuous 

 feature, and one which, in conjunction with their delicate wings, abundantly 

 supplied with nerves, appears to give them an additional sense, a power of feeling, 

 by the motion or quiescence of the molecules of the atmospheric air, the pre- 

 sence of contiguous objects, so that they are capable of directing their course, 

 without striking against them, even when deprived of sight. In the Galagos 

 the external auditory membranes are in a like state of development and nervous 

 sensibility, a condition rendering them susceptible of the slightest vibrations of 

 the air, and in all probability alive to sounds inaudible to animals in general. 

 Hence, perhaps, one reason why they must be folded during repose. 



According to Adanson, the Galagos build a nest in trees, of fibres and twigs, 

 in which to bring forth their young. In captivity they are said to be timid and 

 gentle, and to feed indifferently upon meat, preparations of milk, and eggs. 



Two well-ascertained species are all with which we are acquainted. 1st, the 

 Senegal Galago (Galago Senegalensis, Geoff.). — Colour ashy brown; the ears 

 as long as the head, and naked ; the tail longer than the body, and pencil-tufted 

 at the extremity. Fur soft, full and woolly. Size of a Squirrel. Habitat, 

 Senegal. In Mus. Zool. Soc. 



2nd. The Great Galago (Galago crassicaudatus, Geoff.). — Fur rufous grey ; 

 ears somewhat shorter than the head ; tail tufted. Size of a Rabbit. We have 

 never seen a specimen. The genus Galago of Geoffeoy is synonymous with 

 Otolicnus of Illigek. 



Genus Tarsius. — Generic characters. — Incisors above 4, of which the two 

 middle are closely approximated, and longer than the lateral ones, appearing like 

 canines. Incisors below 2, and canine-like, being conical and pointed. Canines 

 above smaller than the two central incisors ; those below of moderate size and 

 pointed. Molars- 6 -^- 6 ? according to Geoffroy. Arms long and slender ; the 

 fingers also much attenuated. Posterior extremities of great length; as are the 

 fingers, of which the thumb is well developed, with a small triangular nail ; the 

 index and succeeding finger are both armed with small subulate claws. Head 

 round ; muzzle very short, and pointed ; eyes very large, but not so close together 

 as in Loris ; ears large, naked, and capable of being folded. Tail long, covered 

 with short hair, except at the tip, which is tufted. Fur full and soft. 



In the structure of the Tarsiers we see the peculiarities, as regards the limbs, 

 carried to a still higher point of development than in the Galagos, to which 



