QUADRUMANA. 37 



is affirmed that they scruple not to attack the lordly 

 lion and elephant, and drive them away from their 

 quarters. 



We have hitherto found a visible resemblance to 

 the human form, but in the genus 



Lemur -,* the Lemur, 



we perceive this likeness fading away, and while 

 they possess the true hands and some of the habits 

 of the Monkeys, their form is evidently that of the 

 beast. The distinguishing characters consist chiefly 

 in the number and position of the teeth ; which are, 

 six incisors beneath, slanting forward; four above, 

 in pairs ; canines sharp and conical ; six molars in 

 each jaw, which begin to exhibit sharp tubercles, 

 catching in each other as in the Insectivora. The 

 first finger of the hind hands has a short curved claw, 

 while all the other nails are flat. The muzzle is 

 long and pointed, like that of a fox. The tail in 

 some is long and very hairy, in others it is wanting. 

 The fur is thick and bushy. All the species are 

 natives of Madagascar, where they replace the true 

 Monkeys, of which they appear to possess the agility 

 and familiarity, without their mischief or grimace. 

 They feed partly on fruits, but partly, also, on small 

 birds and insects. Their activity is manifested dur- 

 ing the night only. 



There is yet another genus, which, though placed 



* Lemures, among the Romans signified nocturnal ghosts. 



