QUADRUMANA. 45 



which are found in those islands. Their habits, in a state of na- 

 ture, have not been much observed. When in captivity, they 

 are quite tame, and good natured; fond of attention, and leap 

 about with surprising agility. They are evidently nocturnal. 

 When undisturbed, they spend the greatest part of the day in. 

 sleep. If alone, they roll themselves up in the form of a ball, 

 and wind their long tails in a very curious manner about their 

 bodies, seemingly for the purpose of keeping themselves warm, 

 for they are naturally quite sensitive to cold, and delight in bask- 

 ing in the rays of the sun, or in keeping themselves as close as 

 possible to the fire. 



At twilight they show more alertness, springing from perch to 

 perch, and uttering a peculiar grunt of pleasure and satisfaction. 

 At this time, they seem most desirous of food, which in confine, 

 ment is usually bread and fruits. They are naturally climbing 

 animals and exceedingly active, twisting their tails about objects, 

 but not using it as a fifth hand. 



They endure changes of air and climate better than the Mon- 

 keys ; but "dust and wet not only annoy them, but produce dis- 

 ease and death." It is said that "one of their favorite situations 

 is the edge of the fender, on \vhich they will rest, spreading out 

 their hands before the fire, half closing their eyes, and luxuria- 

 ting in the genial glow." 



The noise which the Lemur makes when alarmed, or suddenly 

 startled, is a singular "braying, or roar of interrupted hoarse 

 sounds, ending with abruptness." Their native food is not cer- 

 tainly known, but it is believed to be fruits and eggs, birds and 

 insects. When in captivity, they refuse cooked meat. They 

 live together in troops, clinging to the branches of trees, or when 

 confined, to the bars of their cages, like the sloth, which in many 

 respects they resemble. The eyes are full and of hazel color ; in 

 confinement, blindness is a common occurrence. 



The whole are sometimes called MADAGASCAR CATS. 



Cuvier arranges the Lemurs into five groups, viz. 

 I. The Makis, or Macacos, the TRUE LEMURS. 

 II. -The Indris, Lichanotus, (Gr. lichanos, index-finger ; ous, 

 an ear.) 



III. The Lori group, Slow Lemurs, Stenops, (Gr. Stenos, nar- 

 row ; dps, face or muzzle.) 



IV. The Galagos, Otilicnus, (Gr. ous, an ear ; liknon, a fan.) 

 V. The Tarsiers, Tarsius. 



Among the most beautiful species of the first group, is the RED 

 LEMUR, L. ruler, (Lat. red.) This is also one of the largest, and 

 apparently suffers less than others by a removal from its native 



