50 ALLEN'S NATURALIST'S LIBRARY. 



vertically as its median neighbour ; while the posterior, which 

 is smaller than the anterior molar, has one internal and one 

 large external cusp. Of the molars, the inner hind cusp is 

 either small or wanting. The bony palate is long, its hind 

 margin extending behind the posterior molar. The pre-max- 

 illary bones, carrying the incisor teeth, are largely developed. 

 The mastoid portion of the ear-capsules (periotic) is not 

 inflated as in many species of Lemurs. Several of the species 

 of this genus remain somnolent and torpid throughout the 

 dry season, in regions where it is then impossible to obtain 

 the vegetable food they require. The Mouse-Lemurs are 

 confined to the island of Madagascar. 



I. MILIUS' MOUSE-LEMUR. CHIROGALE MILII. 



Cheirogaleus milii, Geoffr., Cours de 1'Hist. Nat., Mamm., 



ii e . legon, p. 24 (1829). 



Cheirogaleus typicus, A. Smith, S. Afr. Q. Journ.,ii., p. 56 (1833) 

 Chirogale milii, Forsyth Major, Nov. Zool., vol. i., p. 21 



(1894), Taf. ii., figs, i, 8, 9 (with full synonymy). 

 Characters. Snout pointed ; eyes prominent ; ears mode- 

 rately large, oval, membranaceous, and sparsely-haired exter- 

 nally; tail Rat-like, thick at base, becoming thinner towards its 

 extremity. Brain-case of skull less vaulted than in the true 

 Lemurs. Bony palate prolonged behind the posterior molar, 

 its hind perforations large ; mastoid portion of ear-capsule 

 (periotic) not swollen. No gap in upper jaw between the 

 canines and anterior pre-molar teeth ; anterior upper pre-molar 

 canine-like, and longer than the median ; no gap between the 

 anterior and median pre-molars; posterior lower molar re- 

 duced in size. The anterior milk pre-molar changes first, the 

 posterior next, and median last. The posterior upper milk- 



