THE ARIEL PETAURUS. 



461 



for itself the appropriate name of Ariel, in remembrance of the exquisite and tricksy 

 sprite that animates the world-celebrated drama of the " Tempest." 



It is not an uncommon animal, and is frequently seen at Port Essington. 



The TAGUAN, or PETAURIST, is the largest of the Petaurists, and is supposed to be 

 the only species that belongs to the genus Petaurista. The peculiarity of its teeth and 

 other portions of its structure will be found in the table of generic differences at the 

 end of the volume. 



This animal is a native of New Holland, where it breeds in great abundance, although 

 it is but seldom seen in a living state by any but the natives. It is, like the rest of its 

 tribe, a nocturnal animal taking up its residence in the hollows of large decaying trees, 

 and remaining buried in sleep until the evening has set in, and the shades of night ex- 

 tend their welcome veil over its actions. While it is lying buried in sleep in the depths 

 of its arboreal retreat, it is safe from almost any foe except the ever hungry and ever 

 watchful native of New South Wales, whose keen eye is capable of detecting almost 

 anything eatable, however deeply it may be hidden from sight. 



ARIEL PETARUS.-Peteurus Ariel. 



A slight scratch on the bark of a tree, or a chance hair that has adhered to the side 

 of the aperture into which the animal has entered, tells its tale as clearly to the black 

 man as if he had seen the creature ascend the tree and enter its domicile. He is even 

 able to gather from the appearance of the scratch and the aspect of the hairs how many 

 hours have elapsed since the animal left the traces behind it, and can conjecture very 

 accurately whether the intended prey is still within its residence, or whether it be away 

 from home. Should the indications prove favorable, the native proceeds to cut little 

 holes in the tree, in which he thrusts his toes and fingers, and ascends the huge trunk 

 as easily as a brick-layer walks up a ladder. Having reached the aperture, he strikes 

 the tree sharply once or twice with the back of the hatchet, so as to learn, by the echo 

 which is returned to the blow, the position of the animal within the hollow. He then 

 rapidly cuts a hole through the tree into the cavity, seizes the concealed animal by its 

 tail, jerks it out before it has time to use its claws or teeth, dashes it against the tree, 

 and drops it on the ground dead. 



It is rather remarkable, that the creature will not emerge from its concealment when 

 awakened by the sound of the axe so near its presence, and is not even induced by the 

 quick jarring of the wooden walls of its habitation to attempt escape from imminent 

 danger. The precaution of jerking the creature quickly from its domicile is most 

 necessary, for the strong, sharp, and curved claws of the animal are formidable weapons 

 when the creature is disposed to use them for combat, and, together with its sharp 



