— 103 — 



inches in length; has a pointed snout and very pro- 

 minent eyes, large ears, and round rat-like tail, 

 which is not prehensiles. It is of a brov/nish-grey 

 colour, approaching to white on the under parts. Its 

 four legs ai'e almost equal in length, this rendering 

 it difficult for this Lemur to leap any considerable 

 distance, as the majority of the species can. It runs 

 on all fours, but sits up to eat, holding its food in its 

 fore hands. Judging from the unusual long sleep 

 which the specimen in Mr Shaw's possession, took in 

 the beginning of winter (in June) during the day as 

 well as in the night Mr Shaw presumes that this 

 Lemur in its natural state hibernates in the winter 

 months. It makes a nest of leaves or dry grass by 

 carefully scooping a hollow big enough to contain 

 itself, and then of after getting in, covering itself with 

 the loose leaves or grass. The native tradition also 

 confirms my opinion (says Mr Shaw) with regard to 

 its hibernation. They say that it hides in the hollow 

 trees in the winter. — It appears to be a very uncom- 

 mon animal even in Madagascar, Mr Shaw kept a 

 man in the forest for two months seeking for one 

 other he had obtained this first specimen. Of course, 

 the fact of their sleeping all day and only feeding at 

 night adds to the difficulty of catching them. — ^ The 

 specimen Mr Shaw had with him, was easily tamed, 

 and proved very affectionate ; it comes when called 

 by name, and enjoys being founled and rubbed. 



4. The Dwarf Lemur [Microcebus Smithii, Grrey). 



