SC1UROPTERUS. 



157 



The Flying Squirrels are so called, not because they are capable 

 of any true flight, but on account of a fold of skin attached to the 

 front and hind limbs and body, which when stretched by the exten- 

 sion of the arms and legs enables the animal to sail in a descending 

 line for a considerable distance as if carried by a parachute. They 

 are beautiful creatures with velvety fur and large, expressive eyes, 

 nocturnal in their habits, and live in nests or holes in trees. Their 

 aerial flights occur usually about dusk, and at this time in the locali- 

 ties they frequent, several may be seen gliding from lofty branches to 

 the base of a distant tree, up the trunk of which they hasten until the 

 top is nearly reached, when the voyager is ready for another trip 

 through space. 



Subfam. II. Pteromyinee. 

 38. Sciuropterus. 



Sciuropterus F. Cuv., Dent's du Mamm., 1825, p. 255. Id. Ann. du 

 Mus., x, 182 5, p. 126, pi. x. Type Sciurus volans Linnaeus. 



Limbs connected by a furred membrane extending outwardly 

 from the sides, and supported by a process from the olecranon. Tail 

 depressed, flattened, thick; ears large; pelage of velvet softness. 



FIG. 29. SCIUROPTERUS VOLANS. 

 No. 928 Field Columbian Mus. Coll. Nat. size. 



UPPER TOOTH ROW. LOWER TOOTH ROW. 



Enlarged 4 times. Enlarged 4 times. 



