HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 361 



The Flying SQUIRREL 



is peculiarly diftinguifhed by a membranous continua- 

 tion of the fkin of the fides and belly, which extends 

 from the fore to the hind feet, and affifts it greatly in 

 making leaps from one tree to another, frequently at the 

 diftance of twenty or thirty yards. Its head is fmail and 

 round, and its upper lip cloven ; its eyes are fail, round, 

 and black ; and its ears fmall and naked. 



Jt is foand in all the northern regions, both of the old 

 and new continents. It is more numerous in America 

 than in Europe, is lefs than the common Squirrel, lives 

 in trees, and fleeps in the day, but is extremely active 

 during the night. 



In the act of leaping, the loofe (kin is ftretched out by 

 the feet; whereby the furface of the body is augmented, 

 the animal becomes lighter in proportion to its bulk, the 

 acceleration of its fall is retarded, and it appears to fail 

 or fly from one place to another. Where a number of 

 them are feen at a time leaping, they appear like leaves 

 blown off by the wind. 



