SUGAR SQUIRREL.— PcV«//yw.s Scinmis. 



The Sugar Squirrel is a nocturnal animal, and is seldom seen in the daytime. 

 During the hom-s of da}'liglit it remains concealed in one of the hollow branches 

 of the enormous trees that grow in its native country, and can only be detected 

 in its retreat by the marvellous organs of vision with which the native Australians 

 are gifted. As soon as evening comes on, the Sugar Squirrels issue from their 

 darksome caverns, and immediately become very frolicsome, darting from tree to 

 tree, and going through the most extraordinary and daring evolutions with admi- 

 rable ea.?e. 



It seems to be a gamesome little animal, and fond of the society of its own 

 species, although it does not appear to respond very readily to the caresses or 

 advances of human playfellows. Being fond of society, the Sugar Squirrels 

 associate in small companies as soon as they emerge from their retreats, and thus 

 are enabled to enjoy their graceful pastime to their hearts' content. Any cage, 

 however, must be most annoying to these active little creatm-es, who are accus- 

 tomed to sweep through very considerable spaces in their leap. Mr. Bennett 

 remarks, that the Sugar Squirrel has been known to leap fau-ly across a river 

 forty yards in width, starting from Jui elevation of only thirty feet. 



