ARIEL PETAURUS,—Petuurus Ariel 
for itself the appropriate name of Aricl, in remembrance of the exquisite and tricksy 
sprite that animates the world-celebrated drama of the “Tempest.” 
It is not an uncommon animal, and is frequently seen at Port Essington. 
The TAGUAN, or PETAURIST, is the largest of the Petaurists, and is supposed to be the 
only species that belongs to the genus Petaurista. ae peculiarity of its teeth and other 
portions of its structure will be found in the table of generic differences at the end of the 
volume. 
This animal is a native of New Holland, where it breeds in great abundance, although 
it is but seldom seen in a living state by any but the natives. It is, like the rest of its 
tribe, a nocturnal animal, taking up its residence in the hollows of large decaying trees, 
and remaining buried in sleep until the evening has set in, and the shades of night extend 
their welcome veil over its actions. While it is lying buried in sleep in the depths of its 
arboreal retreat, it is safe from almost any foe except the ever hungry and ever watchful 
native of New South Wales, whose keen eye is capable of detecting almost anything 
eatable, however deeply it may be hidden from sight. 
A slight scratch on ie bark of a tree, or a chance hair that has adhered to the side of 
the aperture into which the animal has entered, tells its tale as clearly to the black man 
as if he had seen the creature ascend the tree and enter its domicile. He is even able to 
gather from the appearance of the scratch and the aspect of the hairs how many hours 
have elapsed since the animal left the traces behind it, and can conjecture very accurately 
whether the intended prey is still within its residence, or whether it be away from home. 
Should the indications prove favourable, the native proceeds to cut little holes in the tree, 
in which he thrusts his toes and finge rs, and ascends the huge trunk as easily as a brick- 
layer walks up a ladder. Having reached the aperture, he strikes the tree sharply once or 
twice with the back of the hatchet, so as to learn, by the echo which is returned to the 
blow, the position of the animal within the hollow. He then rapidly cuts a hole through 
the tree into the cavity, seizes the concealed animal by its tail, jerks it out before it 
has time to use its claws or teeth, dashes it against the tree e, and anne it on the ground 
dead. 
It is rather remarkable, that the creature will not emerge from its concealment when 
awakened by the sound of the axe so near its presence, and is not even induced by the 
quick jarring of the wooden walls of its habitation to attempt escape from imminent 
danger. The precaution of jerking the creature quickly from its domicile is most 
necessary, for the strong, sharp, and curved claws of the animal are formidable weapons 
when the creature is disposed to use them for combat, and, together with its sharp teeth, 
