TARSIER. 239 



central upper incisors are, as in ourselv'es, of large size, and placed quite close to 

 one another. Then, again, we shall find that the upper tusk is much smaller than 

 in tlie typical lemurs. Moreover, if wc examine the lo\ycr jaw, we shall soc tliat 

 tlic tusk is formed by tiie canine tooth, instead of being the most anterior of the 

 premolars: the latter tooth being smaller than eitiicr of the other two premolars, 

 instead of taking the form and fiuiction of a tusk, as in tlie true leumrs. In 

 liaving but a single pair of lower incisoi"s, which an examination of its skull wcjuld 

 show to be the case, the tai-sier agi-ees with the indri lenuir : but in the presence 

 of three premolars on either side of each jaw it resembles the true leumrs. Its 

 whole series of teeth are thirty-four in number — four more than in the indri, and 

 two less than in the true lemurs, and may be expressed by the formula i'\. o\. 



It is, therefore, clear that the tarsier differs very markedly from oi-dinary 

 lemui-s ; and, if our observations made under the head of fossil lemurs have been 

 undei-stood, it will be apparent that in this respect the tai-sier is what zoologists 

 term a more generalised form than the trae lenmrs, and that it closely resembles the 

 extinct types. Indeed the series of teeth in the extinct microchoere are expressed 

 by the .same formula as the one denoting those of, tlie tarsier. We maj^, therefore, 

 venture to conclude that this animal shows in its teeth signs of affinity with the 

 extinct European lemurs, which have been lost in the true lemurs and their allies. 

 In regard to the elongation of the bones of the upper half of the ankle, the tarsier 

 is, however, evidently a specialised, or liighly modified creature ; and it is probable 

 that the same structural peculiarity did not exist in the Eocene lemurs. 



Another peculiarity of the tarsier is that the two bones of the lower leg, — the 

 tibia and fibula, — instead of being quite separate from one another, as in all other 

 lemurs, are united in their lower half. Then again, in place of only the toe next 

 the great toe being furnished with a sharp compressed claw, and all the other toes 

 having flat nails, the middle toe is also provided with a similar compressed and 

 pointed claw. 



We might refer to certain features connected with the structure of the skull of 

 the tarsier, and also mention some peculiarities in the anatomy of its soft parts ; 

 but sufficient has been said to show what a veiy remarkable creature it is when 

 properly studied, and to indicate why it is referred to as a distinct family. It is, 

 indeed, generalised, or little modified in regard to its teeth, but highly specialised, 

 or nuich modified in respect of the bonj^ skeleton of its legs and feet. 



Dr. Guillemard calls special attention to the peculiar leaps made by his captive 

 tarsier ; and this habit of leaping is highly characteristic of the species, — as we 

 have seen it to be of the galagos and mouse-lenmrs, in which the ankle-bones are 

 modified in the same manner, although to a less degree. The tarsier is described 

 as progi-essing in the woods hj a series of leaps from bough to bough, or along a 

 single bough ; and it doubtless makes use of similar leaps to pounce upon its living 

 prey. Its food consists chiefly of insects and small reptiles, and it does not appear 

 that it ever touches fruits. Tarsiers are rare in their native lands, and instead of 

 going in small parties are found singly or in pairs. They are looked upon with 

 great dread and horror by the native inhabitants of the Malayan Islands. Accord- 

 ing to the late Mr. Cumming, who once had a female and young tarsier alive, the 



