NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



(Jccipiter minullus) — and tree snakes are on the 

 alert ; and, secondly, the insects on which they 

 largely feed emerge in great numbers about this 

 time of the evening. Their general habit is to 

 sleep during the daytime, and emerge about sun- 

 down and remain active throughout the night, 

 unless the weather is inclement and cold. 



When feeding, Dormice, like the Squirrels, usually 

 take the food if not too bulky, in their forepaws, 

 and sit upon their haunches when devouring it. 

 Dormice belong to the rodent or gnawing group of 

 animals, which include the squirrels, rabbits, rats, 

 beavers, porcupines, etc. 



The Cape Dormouse is mouse-grey above, and 

 dull white on the under parts, including the cheeks, 

 chin, and insides of the limbs ; sometimes the fur 

 on the cheeks, chin and breast is slightly tinged 

 with rusty red. Eyes are large and prominent. 

 Head and body averages 4 inches. The tail is 

 slightly shorter than the head and body, and is 

 covered with long hairs, giving it a bushy appear- 

 ance. The tail tip is not white, as is the case with 

 some of the other species. 



A local race occurs in the northern part of the 

 Transvaal, and is known as Graphiurus murinus 

 tzaneenensis. The only difference, however, is that 

 the skull is slightly smaller, and the tail more slender 

 than in the typical form. 



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