1266 THE RODENTS 



more obliquely, until its flight gradually growing slower, becomes horizontal and 

 finally terminates in an ascent to the trunk or branch of the tree to which its 

 flight is directed." It is stated that these squirrels have been known to traverse 

 distances of sixty and nearly eighty yards in their flight from tree to tree. Although 

 .readily tamed, they are very difficult to keep alive in captivity. 



The woolly flying squirrel {E^lpetaurus cinereus} differs from all 

 the other members of the family in having markedly high-crowned 

 teeth, with flat (instead of ridged) grinding surfaces, and is accordingly 

 referred to a distinct genus, which must be regarded as the most specialized mem- 

 ber of the group. This magnificent flying squirrel inhabits the district of Gilgit, 

 to the northwest of Kashmir, and is one of the largest species, the length of the 

 head and body being about eighteen inches, and that of the unusually bushy tail 

 about twenty-four inches. This species differs from the members of the preceding 

 genus by its shorter and blunter claws; its general color being dull grayish brown 

 with a slight greenish tinge above, and ashy brown below. From the nature of 

 the districts in which it occurs, and also from the shortness and bluntness of its 

 claws, it is inferred that this squirrel is in the habit of climbing about on rocks, in- 

 stead of living in trees. A magnificent skin of this species was obtained in Kashmir 

 by the present writer about 1878, but it was not till the arrival in England ten years 

 later of a living, although smaller, example of the animal that it was recognized as 

 a distinct species. It is not improbable that this fine flying squirrel also occurs in 

 Tibet. 



THE PYGMY SQUIRRELS 

 Genus Nannosciurus 



A small group of tiny squirrels comprising only five species, of which three 

 are from Borneo, and the fourth is an inhabitant of the Philippines, while the fifth 

 {Nannosciurus minutus) is West African, are now 7 regarded as constituting not only 

 a distinct genus, but likewise a separate subfamily, although they were till recently 

 included among the true squirrels. Their skulls are remarkable for the elongated 

 form of the region of the face, while the forehead is much broader than in any other 

 type, and the process defining the hinder border of the socket of the eye is so elon- 

 gated as to cause the eye to be almost surrounded by bone. In the upper jaw there 

 may be either one or two pairs of small premolar teeth, and the molars are much more 

 complex than in any other squirrel, closely approaching those of the dormice in 

 structure; the upper molars having only three transverse plates, instead of the four 

 characterizing those of the other members of the family. 



One of the prettiest representatives of the group is Whitehead's pygmy squirrel 

 (N. whiteheadi] , from North Borneo, in which the head and body measure only 

 about three and one-fourth inches in length, and the ears are surmounted by 

 extraordinarily-long tufts of black and white hairs, apparently more elongated than 

 in any other squirrel. This little animal, which is grizzled olive gray in general 

 color, may be commonly seen running up and down the trunks of the forest trees on 

 Mount Kina Balu. 



