THE SQUIRREL PETAURIST. 297 



The specific name of Taguanoides, or taguan-like, 

 is given to the animal in consequence of the resem- 

 blance which it bears to the Taguans, or Flying 

 Squirrels of the Old World ;" a similitude, indeed, 

 which is so close, that a sketch of one of these animals 

 would be no very unfaithful representation of the 

 other. 



Scarcely smaller than the Petaurist is the Hepoona 

 Roo (Pelaurus Australia), sometimes called the Great 

 Flying Phalanger. 



I may here mention that the general name of 

 Phalanger is applied to the whole of this group, on 

 account of the length of the phalanges, or joints of 

 the toep. 



The present species is a native of New Holland, 

 and was at one time plentiful ; though, like all wild 

 animals, it became scarce in the presence of civili- 

 zation. The full length of the body rather exceeds a 

 yard ; but very nearly half of this measurement be- 

 longs to the long and woolly tail. 



It is a prettily coloured animal; but the beautifully 

 contrasting tints of the fur are scarcely to be seen 

 except when the animal spreads itself for flight. In 

 that case the cream-white of the under surface affords 

 an admirable contrast to the deep, warm brown of the 

 upper surface. When the animal is at rest, the only 

 indication of this contrast of colour is a waving line of 

 cream-colour along the sides, marking the edge of 

 the flying membrane. The colour of the fur is, how- 

 ever, very variable ; and in some cases, both surfaces 

 are nearly white. 



The smallest of the Petaurists is the pretty little 



