PTEROMYS. 295 
SizE.—Head and body, 20 inches; tail, 21 inches; breadth of ex- 
panse, 21 to 24. 
This species is nocturnal in its habits as noticed by Mr. Baker 
(‘Journ. As. Soc. Beng.’ 1859, vol. xxviii. p. 287), Jerdon and 
others. 
Mr, Baker says it makes a noise at night in the depths of the jungle 
which is alarming to strangers. On the other hand Tickell, who was 
one of the first to bring it to notice, says its voice is seldom heard, and 
it is a weak, low, soft monotone quickly repeated, so low that in the 
same room you require to listen attentively to distinguish it. ‘It is to 
the Coles a sound ominous of domestic affliction. When angry the 
oral seldom bites, but scratches with its fore-claws, grunting at the 
same time like a guinea-pig.” ‘‘ When taken young it becomes a most 
engaging pet. It can be reared on goat’s or cow’s milk,* and in about 
three weeks will begin to nibble fruit of any kind. During the day it 
sleeps much, either sitting with its back bent into a circle, and its head 
thrust down to its belly, or lying on its back with the legs and para- 
chute extended—a position it is fond of in sultry weather. During the 
night time it is incessantly on the move.” 
Jerdon says of it: “It frequents the loftiest trees in the thickest 
parts of the forest, and is quite nocturnal in its habits, usually making 
its appearance wnen quite dusk. The natives discover its whereabouts 
by noting the droppings beneath the trees it frequents. It is said to 
keep in holes of trees during the day, and breeds in the same places. 
In the Wynaad many are killed, and a few captured alive by the Coorum- 
bars, a jungle race of aborigines, who are usually employed to fell the 
forest trees in clearing for coffee; and I have had several sent to me 
alive, caught in this way, but could not keep them for anytime. It 
lives chiefly on fruits of various kinds; also on bark, shoots, &c., and, 
Tickell says, occasionally on beetles and the larvee of insects.” 
Jerdon says he had several times witnessed the flight of this species 
from tree to tree, and on one occasion he noted a flight of over sixty 
yards. 
“Of course it was very close to the ground when it neared the tree, 
and the last few feet of its flight were slightly upwards, which I have also 
noticed at other times.” I think Wallace has observed the same of the 
Galeopithecus. How this upward motion is accomplished more careful 
investigation will show ; in all probability the depression or elevation of 
the tail may cause a deviation from a fixed course. According to 
Elliot it is very gentle, timid, and may be tamed, but from its delicacy 
is difficult to preserve. The fur is soft, beautiful and much valued. 
Jerdon gives the localities in which he has found it to be most 
* IT advise half water in the case of cow’s milk, or one quarter water with buffalo 
milk.—R. A. S, 
