258 THE STORY OF THE LEMUR. 



The largest of the true lemurs is known as the ruffed lemur. It inhabits 

 the Northeast Coast of Madagascar, and as its name indicates, is remark- 

 able for the variety of color of its fur. Frequently this is a mixture of black 

 and white, disposed in patches on different parts of the body, but occasion- 

 ally white individuals are met with; others are a reddish brown. 



The red-fronted lemur is met with in all parts of the island; the white- 

 fronted is found on the Northeast Coast and the black-fronted on the North- 

 west Coast. Besides these there are the Mungoose lemur of the West- 

 ern Coast, the black lemur of the Northwest Coast, the gentle lemur of the 

 jungles, the weasel lemur of Northwest Madagascar and the mouse lemur 

 of which there are many varieties. 



One of the most interesting of all is the little creature known as the 

 dwarf mouse lemur, but often referred to as the Madagascar rat. The head 

 and body of this diminutive creature do not exceed 4 inches in length, 

 while the tail measures 6 inches. The prevailing color is a pale grey; the 

 chin and under-parts being pale yellow, and the outer surface of the ears 

 light brown, while a white streak runs up the nose and between the eyes. 

 The eyes themselves are surrounded by black rims, giving to the face the ap- 

 pearance of wearing a pair of spectacles. 



The dwarf mouse lemur builds beautifully constructed nests of twigs, 

 lined with hair, in the tops of the lofty trees where it delights to dwell. 

 These nests somewhat resemble those of a rook both in form and size, and 

 are used not only as daily resting-places but as cradles for the young. 

 The species is remarkable for the extreme beauty of its brilliant eyes. 



The dwarf lemurs inhabit a belt of forest-land stretching from the 

 eastern forest into the heart of Betsileo, a few miles north of Fianarantsoa, 

 where they are tolerably abundant. They live on the tops of the highest 

 trees, choosing invariably the smallest branches, where they collect a quan- 

 tity of dried leaves, and make what looks from below like a bird's nest. So 

 close is the resemblance, that it requires good eyes to distinguish the one 

 from the other. Their food consists of fruit and insects, and most probably 

 honey. I have frequently seen them catching the flies that have entered their 

 cage for the honey; and I have supplied them with moths and butterflies, 

 which they have devoured with avidity. They are extremely shy and 

 wild. Although I have had between thirty and forty caged at different 

 times, I have never succeeded in taming one. They are also very quarrel- 

 some, and fight very fiercely, uttering a most piercing, penetrating sound, 

 somewhat resembling a very shrill whistle. 



