6 MAMMALIA. 



This species is probably the Sciurus modesius figured in the 

 work published by the Dutch Government, as it differs only 

 from that figure in being somewhat darker. 



It lives on the ground, and is very abundant, though but 

 seldom seen during the day ; it frequents decaying fallen 

 trees, along the trunks of which it is fond of running, every 

 now and then stopping to jerk up its tail in a peculiar 

 manner ; when running it carries its back up like the common 

 English Squirrel, but the tail is not erected ; it has a very 

 slight musky smell. We have seen one regularly hunted by 

 scent by a Musang, a sort of Polecat ; it evinced the greatest 

 distress, and constantly uttered a sharp squeak ; these Squir- 

 rels frequent store-houses, like rats, and commit great havoc 

 among the rice bags. 



Sciurus rufoniger (Gray) Var. 



Throat ; body below, and inner sides of fore and hind legs deep 

 rufous red ; all the rest of the body jet black ; ears short and 

 rounded; whiskers long. 



Length from nose to base of tail, 10|- inches. 

 „ of tail, 10 inches. 

 „ from tip of nose to base of ear, 1 inch 8 lines.* 



The present specimen differs from the description given of 

 Sciurus rufoniger by Mr. Gray, in wanting the " indistinct 

 streak along each side, and the outer side of the thigh white 

 grizzled." 



These handsome little animals appear to be solitary in 

 their habits, as we have only once seen even two together, 

 and these we believe had their nest near. Unlike the Sciurus 

 eiyhippium, they are silent and lithe in their motions, getting 

 along the tree-tops almost without shaking them ; in their 

 note they somewhat resemble the last-mentioned Squirrels, as 

 it is of the same character, but rather an oft-repeated grunt 

 than a chatter, not unlike a repetition of the imperfect note 

 of the Cuckow just before he becomes silent : the tail is 

 usually carried pendant. A young one, which Capt. Kejjpel 

 caught in Labuan, slept with the back up and the nose 

 between the hind feet, like some monkeys. 



* Throughout the work a " line " means one-twelfth of an inch. 



