44 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



large, and the nose pointed. The feet are rather short and 

 pentadactylous ; the hinder have a large thumb without a 

 nail, opposable ; and the two first toes much shorter than 

 the others, and united by one common skin. Claws 

 arched, compressed, and very strong. 



The most peculiar character of the Petauristae is an 

 arrangement common to them and the Galeopitheci. 

 This is an extension of the skin of the sides, whereby the 

 anterior and posterior extremities are united, and a kind 

 of parachute rather than a wing is formed. There is a 

 spacious ventral pouch in the females. 



The tail is very long, not prehensile ; is furnished with 

 hair; is sometimes round, sometimes flat. The habits of 

 these animals are pretty similar to those of the Phalangers 

 we have last noticed. They jump with tolerable activity 

 from branch to branch, and are enabled to sustain them- 

 selves for a little time in the air by the assistance of their 

 parachute. They are nocturnal animals, and are found in 

 New Holland and the Island of Norfolk. The first species 

 on the Baron's list is the Dwarf Flying Phalanger, (Did. 

 Pygmaus) of Shaw. The length of its entire body is 

 scarcely more than two inches. Its form is more thick- 

 set than those of the other Petauristse. The upper part of 

 the back and head are of an uniform mouse-coloured gray, 

 slightly sprinkled with reddish. The eyes are surrounded 

 with a clear brown. The upper lip, belly, under part of 

 the membrane of the sides, are of a pure white. On each 

 side of the tail are reddish-gray hairs, ranged with the 

 most perfect symmetry. The membrane of the sides termi- 

 nates at the elbow, and has its edges considerably dilated. 

 The habitat is New Holland. 



We shall next notice the Great Flying Phalanger, (Did. 

 Petaurus, Shaw.) The entire length of the body is one 

 foot eight inches, and the tail about two inches shorter. 

 The head is small ; the ears large and covered with hair, 



