112 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



(117) THE GREY MUSK SHREW. 

 (CEXECIDUKA C.ERULEA— (Kerr.) ) 



Hindi — Chhuchandar. Bengali — Chhuncha. 



This animal is so common in Lower Bengal that any description is 

 unnecessary. 



Rab. — The same species that is found about the habitation in 

 Bengal is also found in Burmah, Ceylon, and some islands of the Indian 

 Ocean. 



It has never been kept for exhibition, although specimens have 

 several times been caught and temporarily placed in cages. They do 

 not bear confinement well. 



Food. — Its food consists of cockroaches, crickets, and other insects. 

 It also eats minced meat and frogs. During the early part of the rains, 

 when tiny frogs are abundant, a musk shrew may sometimes be seen 

 feasting on them. 



During July and August young musk shrews may be seen accom- 

 panying an old one, probably their mother, in her foraging excursions 

 round a room or habitation. When kept in cages they remain com- 

 pletely hidden under the straw during the day. 



(118) THE INDIAN FRUIT BAT OR FLYING FOX. 

 (PTEROPUS MEDIUS-T^m.) 



Bengali — Badul or Badur. 



This is a common animal in Bengal. Its colour varies. Some speci- 

 mens are much lighter than others. 



Rab. — The flying fox is found throughout India, Burmah, and 

 Ceylon. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 Specimens have been living since 1881. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — Their cage must be high, shady, and cool, as they are in 

 the habit of roosting in a retired place during the day, and cannot bear 

 light or much heat. In this garden the flying foxes are kept in one of 

 the divisions of a large aviary, in company with the crows and magpies. 

 Though incongruous, the arrangement has not been disturbed, as the 

 heterogenous party appear to do well and live in harmony. The flying 

 foxes hang head downwards, and prefer to claw with their hind feet on 

 to the wire netting of the cage, disregarding the sticks which are placed 

 across the cage for their use. 



Food. — Flying foxes are fruit-eating animals, and feed on all sorts 

 of garden fruits— plantains, jamun {Buginea Jambokna), almond, various 

 kinds of figs and other fruits. In captivity they readily eat bread and 





