20 LEMURS. 



When the hamper was opened the poor 

 frightened creatures were seen, locked in each 

 other's arms, gazing at us with round glassy eyes. 

 It was some days before we could really see what 

 beautiful animals they were, since their timidity 

 was so great that, though they would eat bananas 

 out of my hand gently enough, nothing would 

 induce them to come out of their hiding-place and 

 be friendly. 



As soon as possible, a bay at one end of the con- 

 servatory was wired in, some tree-branches were 

 fixed for the lemurs to climb upon, and a large 

 plant-case, with glass sides and top, and soft hay 

 within, made a cosy retreat when they wished for 

 complete retirement. 



It was very enjoyable to let the new pets into 

 their pleasant home. They instantly and fully 

 approved of it, climbing at once to the highest 

 branch, and gazing down at us with a far happier 

 expression in their great eyes than they had 

 hitherto shown. And now for the first time we 

 could appreciate the beauty of their silky-white fur 

 and wonderful tails. 



I found out that these were specimens of 



