THE FLYING SQUIRREL THE JERBOA. 155 



some of which are to be met with in almost every country. 

 Among these, are the grey squirrel, the fur of which is very 

 valuable ; the black squirrel of Mexico ; the Barbary and the 

 palm squirrel ; the fat squirrel, which, among the Romans, was 

 esteemed a great delicacy for the table, and which they kept and 

 fed in places constructed for that purpose, and distinguished by 

 the name of gliraria, and many others. In conformity, however, 

 to the conciseness of our plan, we shall only observe 



THE FLYING SQUIRREL, 



Which is peculiarly distinguished by a membranous continua- 

 tion of the skin of the sides and belly, extending from the fore 

 to the hind feet. By this appendage, it is so much assisted in 

 making bounds from tree to tree, that it frequently springs to the 

 distance of twenty or thirty yards. Its skin is remarkably fine 

 and soft, being covered with a beautiful fur, of a dark colour in 

 some parts, and a lighter in others. Its head is small and ele- 

 gant. It is mild in its disposition ; but, although easily tamed, 

 it is difficult to retain in a state of domestication, and seizes the 

 first opportunity of making its escape. It is less than the com- 

 mon squirrel : it lives in trees, sleeps in the day, but exhibits its 

 activity in the night. 



The membranous appendage connecting its legs, being stretch- 

 ed out in the act of leaping, extends the surface of the body, by 

 which it is better supported by the air, and the acceleration of its 

 fall is retarded. This gives it the appearance of flying, from 

 which its name has originated. 



THE JERBOA 



Merits particular attention, on account of the allusions made 

 to it in the Scriptures, it being the Damon Israel, or Lamb of 

 Israel of the Arabs, and is supposed to be the coney of holy 

 writ, which was classed among the unclean beasts ; our rabbit, 

 or coney, being unknown in Palestine. It is also the mouse 

 mentioned in the book of the prophet Isaiah, chap. Ivi. verse 17. 

 It is a lively and harmless animal : it lives on vegetation, and 

 burrows in the ground like the rabbit. 



The jerboa is remarkable for the singular construction of its 

 legs, the fore ones being not more than one inch in length, and 

 used not for walking, but for conveying victuals to its mouth. 

 The hind-legs are naked, and like those of a bird, with only three 

 toes on each foot. Its hair is long and soft, reddish on the back, 

 and white on the belly and the breast, with a large black band 

 across the thighs, in the form of a crescent. Its tail is longer than 

 its body, and terminates in a black tuft, tipt with white. Its head 



