THE LEMURS. 



103 



The RUFFED LEMUR is one of the handsomest of this family, challenging a rival- 

 ship even with the Ring-tailed Lemur in point of appearance. 



The texture of the fur is extremely fine, and its color presents bold contrasts between 

 pure white and a jetty blackness, the line of demarcation being strongly defined. The 

 face of the Ruffed Lemur is black, and a fringe of long white hairs stands out like a 

 ruff round the face, giving to the creature its very appropriate title. 



As is the case with all the Lemurs, it is a native of Madagascar and of the adjacent 

 islands, and seems to take the place of the ordinary monkeys. Of all the Lemurs this 

 species is the largest, its size equalling that of a moderately grown cat. Its voice is a 

 sepulchral, deep roar, peculiarly loud, considering the size of the animal, and can be 

 heard at a great distance in the stilly night. As the Lemurs delight in gathering to- 

 gether in large companies, the effect of their united voices is most deafening. The 

 eyes are furnished with a transverse pupil, which dilates as darkness draws on, enabling 

 the creature to see even in a dark night, and to make search after their daily, or rather 

 their nightly food. 



This species is timid at the presence of man, and hides itself at the sound of his 

 footsteps. But if pursued and attacked, it takes instant courage from despair, and 

 flinging itself boldly on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the conflict, its sharp 

 teeth stand it in good stead, and inflict wounds of no trifling severity. 



It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays much 

 gentle affection, readily recognizing its friends, and offering itself for their caresses, 

 but avoiding the touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to whom it takes 

 a dislike. It is very impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a fire, where it will perch 

 itself for an hour at a time without moving, its attention solely taken up by the grateful 

 warmth. 



It is an active creature, being able to leap to some distance, and always attaining its 

 mark with unfailing accuracy. While leaping or running rapidly, the tail is held in a 

 peculiar and graceful attitude, following, indeed, Hogarth's line of beauty. 



RING-TAILED LEMUR. 

 Lemur Catta. 



WHITE-FRONTED LEMUR. 

 Lemur albifrons. 



RED LEMUR. 

 Lemur Ruber. 



The RING-TAILED LEMUR, or MACACO, is at once recognizable by the peculiarity 

 from which it derives its popular name. 



It is not quite so large as the Ruffed Lemur, as it only measures a foot from nose 

 to tail, the tail itself being some seven or eight inches in length. In captivity it soon 

 becomes familiar, and when it chooses to exhibit its powers, is very amusing with its merry 

 pranks. If several individuals are confined in the same cage, they are fond of hud- 

 dling together, and involving themselves in such a strange entanglement of tails, limbs, 

 and heads, that until they separate, it is almost impossible to decide upon the number 

 of the animals that form the variegated mass. 



