SCIUKIDJE. 165 



all included in the MURID^: ; and the Caviadce, Octodontidce, and Hydro- 

 chceridce, belonging to the HYSTRICID^E. 



The two first families possess clavicles, and have the projecting angle 

 of the lower jaw subquadrate. 



Fam. SCIURID^E, Squirrels. 



55 44 

 Quasi-incisors smooth, compressed ; molars usually ^^ or j-^ ; 



enamelled continuously, or complex, and furnished with roots. Feet 

 either all pentadactylous, or the fore-feet with four toes and a thumb- 

 wart or tubercle. Tail typically long, bushy ; clavicles perfect. 



The Squirrels form a well-marked group of elegant animals, mostly 

 with arboreal habits, and widely distributed both in the old and new 

 world. One group only is quite terrestrial, the Marmots. The addi- 

 tional molar of the upper jaw is early deciduous. The most striking 

 feature of the skull of the Squirrels is the distinct post-orbital process ; 

 and the palate is larger than in other rodents. The molars are variously 

 tubercled, some with blunt, others with sharp points. Of five well- 

 marked generic groups, three occur within our province ; one however 

 only as an outlier from the central Asian plateau. 



Gen. SCIUEUS, Linn. 



o o Q 3 



Char. Praemolars T^]', molars 0373; quasi-incisors smooth in 



front, brown or orange-coloured, the lower ones compressed, acute; 

 fore-feet with only four toes, and a tubercle on the site of the thumb ; 

 claws compressed, incurved ; tail very long, bushy, the hairs directed 

 more or less laterally. 



Squirrels have a large head and prominent eyes, a large body and 

 moderately long limbs. They are mostly quite arboreal in their habits, 

 exceedingly active and lively, feeding on buds, fruit, nuts, and other 

 vegetable substances ; and building a large rude nest of leaves, grass, &c. 

 They hold up their food to their mouth between the two thumb- 

 tubercles. They are found over both continents, most rare in the 

 Neotropical region. 



There are three well-marked groups in India, distinguished by size, 

 coloration, and habits. 



1st group. Large Squirrels. 



These are squirrels of very large size, rich coloration, and more or less 



