ON NOCTURNAL ANIMALS. 327 
monkeys. Those of the genus Lemur are much more diurnal 
in habit than their congeners, or rather, they are out morn and 
eve, and often sleep of a night. But the majority of Lemuroids 
are, truly speaking, nocturnal animals. 
The “ night-eye ” is dominant, with its vertical and changeable 
pupil, passing from faint streak to wide circle. Most of the species 
have thick tactile whiskers. The abnormal bulbous tips of the 
toes are quite peculiar looking, but their utility is explained by the 
fact that each pad is an exquisitely sensitive apparatus, possessed 
of a marvellous power of touch. These creatures see, as it were, 
through their fingers, like the blind man. There is much 
difference with regard to ears; in the Loris group they are of 
moderate size; the Tarsius, the Aye-Aye and Galagos, on the 
contrary, have great bat-like ears, the latter singularly movable. 
All are most sensitive to changes in temperature, and soft furry 
coats are noiseless protectives in their night rambles. 
VAN BOSMAN’S porto. 
Perodicticus potto, Gmelin. 
As each group of the Lemuroids is constructed, sui generis, 
for night exploration, a brief glance at one or two of the most 
