366 THE TAGUAN, OR PETAURIST. 



in the daytime. During the hours of daylight it remains concealed in one of the hollow- 

 branches of the enormous trees that grow in its native country, and can only be detected in its 

 retreat by the marvellous organs of vision with which the native Australians are gifted. As 

 soon as evening comes on, the Sugar Squirrels issue from their darksome caverns, and imme- 

 diately become very frolicsome, darting from tree to tree, and going through the most extraor- 

 dinary and daring evolutions with admirable ease. 



It seems to be a gamesome little animal, and fond of the society of its own species, although 

 it does not appear to respond very readily to the caresses or advances of human playfellows. 

 Being fond of society, the Sugar Squirrels associate in small companies as soon as they emerge 

 from their retreats, and thus are enabled to enjoy their graceful pastime to their hearts' con- 

 tent. Any cage, however, must be most annoying to these active little creatures, who are 

 accustomed to sweep through very considerable spaces in their leap. Mr. Bennet remarks, 

 that the Sugar Squirrel has been known to leap fairly across a river forty yards in width, 

 starting from an elevation of only thirty feet. 



Even in captivity they retain their playfulness, and as soon as night brings their expected 

 day, they awake from the heavy lethargy which oppresses them during the hours of light, 

 and uncoiling themselves from the very comfortable attitude in which they sleep, they begin 

 to be very lively, and to traverse their cage with great agility, chasing one another about their 

 residence, and leaping as far as the confined space will permit them. 



In climbing and leaping, as well as in grasping the branches towards which they aim their 

 flight, the creatures are greatly aided by the manner in which the thumb of the hinder feet is 

 set on the foot, so as to be opposable to the others, thus enabling the creature to clasp the 

 branches in the same manner as the quadrumana. 



The beautiful little animal which has been called by the expressive name of Ariel, is 

 about the size of a small rat, and in the hue of the upper portions of the body is not unlike 

 that animal. 



The color of the fur upon the upper portions of the body is a light brown, which darkens 

 considerably upon the parachute membrane. On the under surface it is white, the white fur 

 just turning over the edge of the parachute, and presenting a pretty contrast with the dark 

 brown color of its upper surface. The tail is nearly of the same color as the body, with the 

 exception of the tip, which is dark. On account of its graceful movements, and the easy 

 undulating sweep of its passage through the air, it has earned for itself the appropriate name 

 of Ariel, in remembrance of the exquisite and tricksy sprite that animates the world-celebrated 

 drama of the " Tempest." 



The Tagtj an,, or Petattrist, is the largest of the Petaurists, and is supposed to be the 

 only species that belongs to the genus Petaurista. 



This animal is a native of New Holland, where it breeds in great abundance, although it 

 is seldom seen in a living state by any but the natives. It is, like the rest of its tribe, a noc- 

 turnal animal, taking up its residence in the hollows of large decaying trees, and remaining 

 buried in sleep until the evening has set in, and the shades of night extend their welcome veil 

 over its actions. While it is lying buried in sleep in the depths of its arboreal retreat, it is 

 safe from almost any foe except the ever hungry and ever watchful native of New South 

 Wales, whose keen eye is capable of detecting almost anything eatable, however deeply it may 

 be hidden from sight. 



A slight scratch on the bark of a tree, or a chance hair that has adhered to the side of the 

 ' aperture into which the animal has entered, tells its tale as clearly to the black man as if he 

 had seen the creature ascend the tree and enter its domicile. He is even able to gather from 

 the appearance of the scratch and the aspect of the hairs how many hours have elapsed since 

 the animal left the traces behind it, and can conjecture very accurately whether the intended 

 prey is still within its residence, or whether it be away from home. Should the indications 

 prove favorable, the native proceeds to cut little holes in the tree, in which he thrusts his toes 

 and fingers, and ascends the huge trunk as easily as a bricklayer walks up a ladder. Having 



