428 HISTORY OF 



which is very broad, and is continued beyond 

 the points of the toes nearly an inch. On each 

 toe there is a rounded straight nail, which lies 

 loose upon the membrane forming the web. 



The hind legs are nearly of the same length 

 as the forelegs, but stronger. Each foot has 

 five toes with claws, and webbed. 



The male, on the heel, has a strong crooked 

 spur, with a sharp point, which has a joint be- 

 tween it and the foot, and is capable of mo- 

 tion in two directions. When the point of it 

 is brought close to the leg, the spur is con- 

 cealed in the hair ; when directed outwards, 

 it projects considerably, and is conspicuous. 

 The tail in shape is like that of the beaver. 



THE TAPOA TAFA, OR TAPHA, 



Is the size of a rat, though its formation 

 gives it the appearance of the martin cat, but 

 that its body, compared to its size, is not so 

 long. 



The head, which is broad from side to side, 

 is in front flat ; the nose, which is pointed, 

 projects beyond the teeth ; the eyes are large ; 

 the ears broad and end in points. The nature 

 and colour of its hair resembles that of the rat, 

 and it has wiskers from the nose to the eyes ; 

 the hind feet are longer, and more flexible than 

 the fore. On each foot there are five toes, and 

 of those on the fore feet, the middle toe is 

 the largest,^ the rest fall off progressively ; the 



