222 APES, MONKEYS, AND LEMURS 



The smallest of all is the dwarf mouse-lemur (C. pusillus], not 

 unfrequently referred to as the Madagascar rat, on account of its 

 having been described by Buffon under the name of le rat de Mada- 

 gascar. The head and body of this diminutive representative do not exceed four 

 inches in length, while the tail measures six inches. The prevailing color is a pale 

 gray; the chin and under parts being pale yellow, and the outer surface of the ears 

 light brown, while a white streak runs up the nose and between the eyes. The eyes 

 themselves are surrounded by black rims, giving to the face the appearance of 

 wearing a pair of spectacles. 



The dwarf mouse-lemur builds beautifully constructed nests of twigs, lined 

 with hair, in the tops of the lofty trees where it delights to dwell. These nests 

 somewhat resemble those of a rook, both in form and size, and are used, not only 

 as diurnal resting-places, but as cradles for the young. The species is remarkable 

 for the extreme beauty of its brilliant eyes. 



Mr. G. A. Shaw writes that the dwarf lemurs "inhabit a belt of forest-land 

 stretching from the eastern forest into the heart of Betsileo, a few miles north of 

 Fianarantsoa, where they are tolerably abundant. They live on the tops of the 

 highest trees, choosing invariably the smallest branches, where they collect a 

 quantity of dried leaves, and make what looks from below like a bird's nest. So- 

 close is the resemblance, that it requires good eyes to distinguish the one from 

 the other. Their food consists of fruit and insects, and most probably honey. I 

 have frequently seen them catching the flies that have entered their cage for 

 the honey ; and I have supplied them with moths and butterflies, which they have 

 devoured with avidity. They are extremely shy and wild. Although I have had 

 between thirty and forty caged at different times, I have never succeeded in taming 

 one. They are also very quarrelsome, and fight fiercely, uttering a most piercing,, 

 penetrating sound, somewhat resembling a shrill whistle." 



THE GALAGOS, OR AFRICAN LEMURS 

 Genus Galago 



The galagos are the only long-tailed lemurs found throughout the length and 

 breadth of Africa. The name is said to be that by which one of the species is 

 known to the natives of Senegal. They resemble the mouse-lemurs in having the 

 bones of the upper half of the ankle greatly elongated, and thus have the same 

 lengthy foot. Although some are much larger, there are others quite as small 

 as the smaller mouse-lemurs. There is, however, a readily recognized external 

 character by which a galago can be at once distinguished from a mouse-lemur. 

 This consists in the large size of the ears, which are quite bare, and have the 

 unique peculiarity that they can be partially folded upon themselves at such times 

 as their owners please, so as to lie nearly flat upon the sides of the head. This 

 may be for the purpose of protecting these delicate organs when passing through 

 thick foliage, especially if wet. 



