PTEROMYS LEPIDUS. 



tuft of long hairs to the extremity of the ears ; a tail slightly extended in breadth in 

 the middle, a tawny tint generally diffused over the upper parts, and a greater size. 



The entire length of the Pteromys genibarbis is thirteen inches and three fourths ; 

 that of the Pteromys lepidus is seven inches and three fourths. The flying membrane 

 is similar in both, and admits of great expansion. The colour of Pteromys lepidus 

 above is dark brown incUning to black : the head, neck, and back are mixed with 

 gray, which colour shews itself in very delicate tufts. The base of the tail, and 

 the extremity of the body, are more uniformly grayish : towards the end of the tail, 

 the brown colour is less intense, and inclines slightly to taAvny. The extremities 

 have above a lighter brownish-gray tint. Underneath, the general colour is white, 

 with a delicate yellowish hue ; this passes imperceptibly to brown towards the border 

 of the membrane and towards the thighs. The tail beyond the base has the same 

 tint as the outer parts of the membrane. This is surrounded by a whitish border 

 of delicate ftir, and the thighs have exteriorly a beautiful fi-inge of long hairs. The 

 extremities underneath, the cartilage by which the membrane is expanded, and the 

 teeth are yellowish. The ears are large, oblong, and extend far from the head ; the 

 tip is naked, the covering of the base is extremely minute and delicate. The bristles 

 are longer than the head, very thick at the base, arising near each other from one 

 point between the lip and the eyes, and have a straight lateral direction. The tail 

 is longer than the body, oblong, and rounded at the extremity ; the hairs that 

 compose it are silky, of uniform length, and spread with perfect regularity to each 

 side, forming a well-defined distichous tail : the base is somewhat contracted. The 

 head is thick, and the muzzle proportionally short. The feet and toes agree in 

 character with those of Pteromys genibarbis. 



The Pteromys lepidus is a nocturnal animal, and in its manners and food 

 resembles the other species of this genus. It is only foimd in the closest forests of 

 Java, where the height of the trees and the luxuriance of the foliage effectually 

 conceal it. It is with great difficulty pursued or seized. On the Plate it is repre- 

 sented of. natural size. 



