282 PETAURUS. 



which tlie body seems at that time to be composed. 

 They are perfectly harmless and tame, permitting 

 any one to hold and caress them, without ever 

 attempting to bite, but do not evince the least attach- 

 ment either to persons about them or even to each 

 other." 



The small size of Phalangista nana, according to 

 the descriptions, some slight differences in the colour- 

 ing, and principally the phrase " les oreilles sont ar- 

 rondies et couvertesde poils" in Temminck's descrip- 

 tion, induced Mr. Bell to believe the species from 

 which his description is taken is distinct. I have, 

 however, examined the original of P. nana contained 

 in the Paris Museum, and also the originals of Mr. 

 Bell's description, and I cannot perceive any specific 

 difference. Temminck should have said that the ears 

 are covered with very minute hairs, for so small are 

 they that to the naked eye they appear naked. 



GENUS PETAURUS. 



Phalangers with a membrane extending from limb 

 to limb, and with the tail densely clothed with fur 

 throughout. 



SUBGKNUS 1. 

 Petaurus proper. 



