PIGMY SQUIRRELS. 93 



more rufous pelage. The spotted flying squirrel (P. punctatus), represented in 

 our coloured Plate, is a considerably smaller species from Malacca and Burma, dis- 

 tinguished by the white spots on the back. 



The habits of all the members of this genus are very similar and closely 

 resemble those of the lesser flying squirrels. The large red species probably 

 hibernates, but most of the others are active throughout the year. The common 

 brown Indian form inhabits the forest, but in forest-clad districts they may be 

 found near villages in clumps of mango and other trees. In addition to fruits and 

 nuts, it is said to eat bark, and also insects and their larvae ; and it drinks by lapping 

 with the tongue. Its cry is described as a low, soft monotone, quickly repeated. 

 Mr. Blanford writes that this " flying squirrel sleeps during the day, sitting, like 

 so many arboreal mammals, with its back bent into a circle and its head thrust 

 inside ; or, in hot weather, lying on its back with the parachute extended. It is 

 not so active as other squirrels, either on trees or on the ground, the parachute 

 impeding its movements. When passing from one tree to another at a distance, it 

 leaps, with its parachute extended, from the higher branches, and descends, at first 

 more directly, then, apparently, by availing itself of the resistance of the air, more 

 and more obliquely, until its flight gradually growing slower, becomes horizontal 

 and finally terminates in an ascent to the trunk or branch of the tree to which its 

 flight is directed." It is stated that these squirrels have been known to traverse 

 distances of sixty and nearly eighty yards in their flight from tree to tree. Although 

 readily tamed, they are very difficult to keep alive in captivity. 

 Woolly Flying The woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) differs from all 



squirrel. the other members of the family in having markedly high -crowned 

 teeth, with flat (instead of ridged) grinding surfaces, and is accordingly referred 

 to a distinct genus, which must be regarded as the most specialised member of the 

 group. This magnificent flying squirrel inhabits the district of Gilgit, to the north- 

 west of Kashmir, and is one of the largest species, the length of the head and body 

 being about 18 inches, and that of the unusually bushy tail about 24 inches. This 

 species differs from the members of the preceding genus by its shorter and blunter 

 claws ; its general colour being dull greyish brown, with a slight greenish tinge 

 above, and ashy brown below. From the nature of the districts in which it occurs, 

 and also from the shortness and bluntness of its claws, it is inferred that this 

 squirrel is in the habit of climbing about on rocks, instead of living on trees. A 

 magnificent skin of this species was obtained in Kashmir by the present writer 

 about 1878, but it was not till the arrival in England ten years later of a living 

 although smaller example of the animal that it was recognised as a distinct species. 

 It is not improbable that this fine flying squirrel also occurs in Tibet. 



THE PIGMY SQUIRRELS. 

 Genus Nannosciurus. 



A small group of tiny squirrels comprising only five species, of which three 

 are from Borneo, and the fourth is an inhabitant of the Philippines, while the fifth 

 (Nannosciurus minutus) is West African, are now regarded as constituting not only 



