214 Mr. O. Thomas on Two new Bornean Squirrels. 



It appears more than probable that this lack of defensive 

 armature stands in some sort of direct relation with the 

 presence of the polyps, for the latter would disguise the fish 

 from its enemies no less than from its prey. 



In conclusion I have to tliank my friend Professor Wood- 

 Mason for much friendly criticism and for directions to likely 

 sources of information in zoological literature. 



XXIV. — Descriptions of Two new Bornean Squirrels. 

 By Oldfield Thomas. 



The extraordinary richness of the Bornean fauna in squirrels 

 is again exemplified by the discovery of the two following 

 new species sent home from North Borneo, the one by 

 Mr. Everett and the other by Mr. C. Hose, both collectors 

 well known for their many contributions to the fauna of the 

 island. 



Of the first species two specimens were obtained in 1880 

 in Sandakan by the late Mr. W. B. Pryer ; but as neither 

 was quite perfect, I have not previously described them. 

 Now, however, that Mr. Everett has sent home a perfect 

 specimen of the same form, I take the opportunity of 

 describing it. It may be named, in honour of its original 

 discoverer, 



Sciurus Pryeri^ sp. n. 



Strongly resembling Sciurus hippurus, Geoff., in general 

 appearance, although slightly smaller and more slenderly 

 built, and agreeing precisely with that animal in the grizzled 

 yellow colour of the back and the grey of the head and fore 

 quarters^ and their relative distributions on the anterior part 

 of the body, but distinguished, firstly, by its wholly white 

 instead of rich rufous belly ; secondly, by its hips being 

 yellowish like the back, instead of grey like the head ; 

 thirdly, by its feet being grizzled grey instead of black ; and, 

 finally, by its tail-hairs being broadly and conspicuously 

 annulated with black and white, with white tips, instead of 

 being wholly black. Premolars | ; incisors orange-yellow, 

 not darker above than below. 



Dimensions of the type (an adult male in skin) : — Head 

 and body 260 millim. ; tail 250; hind foot 54. 



Hal). Of the type (B. M. 92. 7. 19. 1), Sapugaia River, 



