ORDER RODENT I A. 193 



All the upper"parts of the body of this animal are grayish 

 brown, each hair being black for the greater part of its 

 length, and yellowish brown at its point, the under parts 

 are white, separated from the darker colour by a black line, 

 the under part of the tail is bright ashy gray ; the hairs of 

 the tail are disposed like the barbs of a feather on each 

 side, and consequently the tail is flat. It measures about 

 six inches from nose to tail, which is about five inches 

 long. 



With the exception of sight and hearing, the senses of 

 this animal appear rather blunt ; the eye is remarkable for 

 its large size, convexity, and extreme sensibility, and the 

 external ear is remarkably large, and the internal canal 

 extended ; the nostrils open laterally at the extremity of 

 the muzzle, which is naked and extends beyond the jaws ; 

 the tongue is soft, and the upper lip cleft; between the eye 

 and the extremity of the muzzle are long mustachios, 

 forming, doubtless, says M. Cuvier, a particular organ of 

 touch. 



This animal is weak and timid, passing the day in its hole 

 in a tree, and seeking its sustenance only at night. It feeds 

 on grain and buds, and seldom descends to the ground. 

 When frightened it utters a weak soft cry, and voids its 

 urine. It is altogether inoffensive, and endowed with a 

 very limited intelligence: all its resources are confined to 

 its agility and retired habits. 



Most American travellers have spoken of this animal, 

 though under different names ; its organs of flight, and its 

 general description are, however, sufficient to determine its 

 identity. We have, indeed, but little information on its 

 natural habits, though M. F. Cuvier has observed them in 

 confinement. In this state they continue hidden in their 

 bed during day, and when they do quit it at night to 

 take food, the slightest noise or any strange object, will 

 quickly drive them back to their retreat. 



