THE LEMURS. 



93 



of animals on account of their nocturnal habits, and their stealthy, noiseless step, which 

 renders their progress almost as inaudible as that of the unearthly beings from whom they 

 derive their name. 



The RUFFED LEMUK is one of the handsomest of this family, challenging a rivalship even 

 with the King-tailed Lemur in point of appearance. 



The texture of the fur is extremely fine, and its color presents bold contrasts between pure 

 white and a jetty blackness, the line of demarcation being strongly defined. The face of the 

 Ruffed Lemur is black, and a fringe of long white hairs stands out like a ruff round the face, 

 giving to the creature its very 

 appropriate title. -^ 



As is the case with all the 

 Lemurs, it is a native of Mada- 

 gascar and of the adjacent 

 islands, and seems to take the 

 place of the ordinary monkeys. 

 Of all the Lemurs this species 

 is the largest, its size equalling 

 that of a moderately grown cat. 

 Its voice is a sepulchral, deep 

 roar, peculiarly loud, consider- 

 ing the size of the animal, and 

 can be heard at a great distance 

 in the stilly night. As the Le- 

 murs delight in gathering to- 

 gether in large companies, the 

 effect of their united voices is 

 most deafening. The eyes are 

 furnished with a transverse pu- 

 pil, which dilates as darkness 

 draws on, enabling the creature 

 to see even in a dark night, and 

 to make search after their daily, 

 or rather their nightly food. 



This species is timid at the 

 presence of man, and hides itself 

 at the sound of his footsteps. 

 But if pursued and attacked, it 

 takes instant courage from de- 

 spair, and flinging itself boldly 



on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the conflict, its sharp teeth stand it in good stead, 

 and inflict wounds of no trifling severity. 



It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays much gentle 

 affection, readily recognizing its friends, and offering itself for their caresses, but avoiding the 

 touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to whom it takes a dislike. It is very 

 impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a fire, where it will perch itself for an hour at a time 

 without moving, its attention solely taken up by the grateful warmth. 



It is an active creature, being able to leap to some distance, and always attaining its mark 

 with unfailing accuracy. While leaping or running rapidly, the tail is held in a peculiar and 

 graceful attitude, following, indeed, Hogarth's line of beauty. 



The RING-TAILED LEMUE, or MACAO, is at once recognizable by the peculiarity from which 

 it derives its popular name. 



It is not quite so large as the Ruffed Lemur, as it only measures a foot from nose to tail, 

 the tail itself being some seven or eight inches in length. In captivity it soon becomes familiar, 

 and when it chooses to exhibit its powers, is very amusing with its merry pranks. If several 



RUFFED LEMUR. Lemur macaco. 



