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HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE FLYING SQUIRREL. 

 (Sciurus Void us, Linn. Lc Poulatouchc, Buff.) 



Is peculiarly distinguished by a membraneous 

 continuation of the skin of the sides and belly, 

 which extends from the fore to the hind feet, and 

 assists it greatly in making leaps from one tree to 

 another, frequently at the distance of twenty or 

 thirty yards. Its head is small and round; its' eyes 

 are full, round, and black; and its ears small and 

 naked. 



It is found in all the northern regions, both of the 

 old and new continents. It is more numerous in 

 America than in Europe, is less than the common 

 Squirrel, lives in trees, and sleeps in the day, but 

 is extremely active during the night. 



In the act of leaping, the loose skin is stretched 

 out by the feet ; whereby the surface of the body is 

 augmented, the animal becomes lighter in propor- 



