SLENDEU l.OUls. 



voices is most deafening. The eyes are furnished with a transverse pnpil, wliich 

 dilates as darkness draws on, enabhng the creature to see even in the dark night, 

 and to make searcli after their daily, or rather their nightly food. 



This species is timid at the presence of man, and hides itself at the sound of 

 his footsteps. But if pursued and attacked, it takes instant courage from 

 despair, and flinging itself boldly on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the 

 conflict, its shaip teeth stand it in good stead, and inflict womuls of no trifling 

 severity. 



It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays 

 much gentle aff'cction, readily recognishig its friends, and off^ering itself for their 

 caresses, but avoiding the touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to 

 whom it takes a dislike. It is very impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a 

 fire, where it will perch itself for an hour at a time without moving, its attention 

 solely taken up by the grateful warmth. 



It is an active creature, being able to Icaj) to some distance, and always 

 attaining its mark with unfailing accuracy. AVhile leaping or running rapidly, 

 the tail is held in a peculiarly and graceful attitude, following, indeed Hogarth's 

 line of beauty. 



There are several species of Lemurs, such as the Ring-tailed Lemm*, a beautiful 

 creature, remarkable for its long full furred tail, covered \\ith rings of black and 

 white ; the white-footed Lemur, and the Red Lemur. They are noctm-nal in their 

 habits, sleeping during the day, coiled up in strange shapes, and not to be removed 

 out of their slumber except by violence or hunger. Even when they have aroused 

 themselves from their repose and run about for a little while, they soon cease 

 from their unwonted exertion, and again sink to rest. 



SLENDER LORTS.— Zom Gracilis. 



The Loris are very curious little creatures, and are fouiul in Sumatra, Java, 

 and Ceylon. In every respect they similar to the liCmurs, but may be readly 

 distinguished from them by the sharp nuizzle and total absence of the tail. 



The Slender Loris is a small animal, measuring only nine inches in length, 

 and possessed of liml)s so delicately slender, as to have earned for it its popular 

 name. Its colour is grey, with a slight rusty tinge, the under portions of the 

 l)ody fading into white. Round the eyes, the fur takes a darker hue, Avhicli is 

 well contrasted by a white streak running along the nose. 



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