SCIURUS CEP API. 



obtuse ; legs long ; tail depressed, narrow, slightly distichous and pointed at 

 its extremity ; two centre toes of equal length, those of the hinder feet but 

 little longer than the toe on each side of them ; the difference is greater on 

 the fore feet ; nails strong and much curved. The hair is slightly rigid, 

 and shortest on the head and feet ; on the back and under parts it is rather 

 longer, while on the outer sides of the hinder legs, particularly towards the 

 base of the tail and on the tail itself, it is much longer still. 



Inches. Lines 

 Length from the tip of the nose to tlie 



base of the tail 7 9 



ofthetaU 7 



of the cranium 1 9 



Breadth between the hinder extremities 



of the zygomatic arches ... 11 



DIMENSIONS. 



Inches. Lines. 

 Length of the fore legs to the tip of 



the toes 2 3 



the hinder legs to ditto 3 



the tarsus of fore foot 6 



the hinder foot 10 



The female, as regards colour and size, resembles the male, and like the 

 latter is liable to some variation in respect to tints. 



The first specimens of this squirrel were observed upon the immediate banks of the Lim- 

 popo river, in about 24° 20' south latitude. The species was occasionally discovered upon the 

 ground, but more frequently upon trees ; and when it happened to be surprised in the former 

 situation, it invariably endeavoured to reach the latter, and if successful, either attempted 

 to conceal itself in the forks of the branches, or in holes, if any existed, in the trunks, or other 

 parts. Its flight, when on the ground, was effected with amazing rapidity, and the perpen- 

 dicular ascent of the tree was accomplished with equal facility. It feeds by day, and, 

 according to the natives, also by night, and in all the specimens we obtained, the stomachs 

 were fully distended with berries, &c. 



