172 FAUNA AMERICANA. 



three at the base of the toes, the thumb inserted 

 into the largest. 



Habit and geographical range like the preced- 

 ing species. 



Genus. 



Sciiirus, Briss. Linn. Erxleb. Bodd. Cuv. Geoff. 

 Illig. squirrel. 



CHARACTERS. 



/r Incisor 2. 

 superior 12. < Canine 0. 

 CMolai- 10. 

 I C Incisor 2. 



^inferior 10. < Canine 0. 

 C Molar 8. 



(Note. — The fifth molar exists only in the 

 young individual.) 



Superior incisors flat before, and cuneiform at 

 the extremity ; the inferior pointed, and laterally 

 compressed. 



Molars with tuberculous crowns. 



Body elongated ; head small ; ears straight, 

 moderate and rounded ; eves larare. Anterior 

 feet with four long toes, distinct, armed with 

 compressed and horned nails, with a tubercle co- 

 vered with an obtuse nail, in place of a thumb ; 

 posterior feet very large; tarsi very long; five 

 elongated distinct toes, with hooked nails. 



Tail long, often furnished with hairs disposed 

 in two rows hke the feathers of a quill : disti- 

 chous. 



