180 MOSTLY MAMMALS 
naturalists think that the almost forgotten Daubentonta 
ought to be resuscitated, and the familiar Chiromys 
abolished. This, however, is a matter which may be left 
for the specialists to settle among themselves. 
But it is not with regard to its scientific name alone 
that the creature has been unfortunate; a difference of 
opinion having arisen as to its right to the name “aye- 
aye,” by which it has been universally known since 
Sonnerat’s time. That traveller, it appears, had at first 
two living specimens captured on the west coast of 
Madagascar; and when these were seen by the natives 
of the east coast (where the species is unknown), they 
ejaculated ‘‘ aye-aye””—or more probably “ hai-hai”—which 
seems, not unnaturally, to have been regarded as the 
native name of the animal. At least as early as 1860 
it was, however, suggested that in place of being the 
animal’s name, it was merely an exclamation of surprise 
at the sight of a strange and unknown creature. And 
this view of the case is maintained to be correct by 
Mr. Shaw, a missionary who resided for many years in 
Madagascar. On the other hand, another missionary, 
Mr. Baron, affirms that the name “hai-hai” is derived 
from the creature’s peculiar cry. 
When those who have the best opportunities for 
deciding arrive at such opposite conclusions, it is difficult 
for others to form a judgment. I have, however, con- 
sulted a naturalist familiar with Madagascar, who tells 
me that “hai” is undoubtedly the Malagasy expression 
of surprise or wonderment; and that as the aye-aye 
is a shy and rare creature, seldom seen even by the 
natives of the districts where it is found, and then 
regarded with superstitious awe, the colloquial expression 
of wonderment may well have become its accepted name. 
