THE MOUSE-LEMURS 



221 



This mouse-lemur (C. coquereli} is characterized by the soft and 



woolly nature of the fur, of which the prevailing color is grayish 

 Mouse-Lemur 



brown, tinged with gold. It makes well-formed nests, composed of 



twigs, dead leaves, and grass, and having a diameter of some eighteen inches. In 

 this nest it sleeps during the day, to prowl forth at night in search of food. 



Another mouse-lemur (C. milii], which is one of the hibernating 

 species, takes its name from M. Milius, a governor of Reunion, in the 

 first quarter of the present century, by whom two of these creatures 

 Avere sent to Paris. They were described by Frederic Cuvier in the year 1821 as the 



Brown Mouse 

 Lemur 



THE MURINE MOUSE-LEMUR. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



-maki nain, or small lemur. The species is some nine inches in length, exclusive of 

 the long tail ; and it is of a grayish-brown color, with black whiskers, and white 

 throat and under parts ; the fur being silky. The specimens sent to Paris throve 

 for some time, and became so tame that they were allowed to leave their cages. 

 They would, however, only play about if the apartment was kept perfectly dark 

 and still ; and when this was done they could be heard frolicking in high glee. 

 During the day they rolled themselves up into a ball and slept. 



