﻿no Allen's naturalist's library. 



a height of about sixty feet, when, by the assistance of its para- 

 chute-like membrane, it alighted safely upon the ground, and 

 was then readily secured again. It holds a raisin or almond in 

 its fore paws, licking and nibbling it. It is often seen lying on 

 its back at the bottom of the cage when feeding, and when 

 drinking milk holds the small vessel containing it between its 

 fore paws, lapping like a kitten. It is evident, from the fond- 

 ness of this animal for sweets, that, when the eucalypti are in 

 flower, it subsists upon honey, which the blossoms yield in very 

 large quantity (the honey is in such abundance as to afford sub- 

 sistence to honey-eating Parrots and other birds, as well as to 

 these animals, and also to myriads of insects of various species). 

 When these have disappeared, it lives upon the nuts and young 

 foliage, and probably, as is usual with honey-feeding animals, 

 also upon insects. It drinks frequently, and will take water, 

 but evinces a decided preference for, and thrives best upon, 

 milk. I found that it would sometimes eat the young flower- 

 buds of the eucalyptus, and was also fond of succulent fruit, 

 such as apricots." 



According to a later observer, this Flying Phalanger feeds on 

 moths, leaves, and berries. 



In reference to the foregoing statement that these animals 

 are hunted by the colonists for the sake of their skins, it may 

 be mentioned, on the authority of Mr. Poland, that the fur, like 

 that of all flying mammals, is unsuited to the purposes of the 

 manufacturer, in consequence of the extreme tenuity of the skin. 



THE SQUIRREL-PHALANGERS. GENUS GYMNOBELIDEUS. 



Gymnobelideus, McCoy, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, vol. xx., 

 p. 287 (1867). 



Size small; general form and appearance as in Petaurus, 

 save for the absence of a parachute-like expansion of the skin 

 of the flanks. Ears large, naked, without tufts. Toes of 



