IIO LLOYD’S NATURAL HISTORY. 
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- {fj 
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. 
Gymnobclideus, McCoy, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 3, vol. xx., 7 | 
p. 287 (1867). 
Size small; general form and appearance as in Lefaurus, ‘| 
save for the absence of a parachute-like expansion of the skin | 
of the flanks. Ears large, naked, without tufts. Toes of 
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