362 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



There are feveral kinds, differing much in fize. In 



the iflands of the Eaft-Indies, there is a variety as large 

 as a Hare, called the Taguan, or Great Flying 

 Squirrel; which perfe&ly refembles the other in fi- 

 gure and in the form of its lateral membrane. The 

 head is fmaller in proportion to the fize of the body ; the 

 colour of the fldn is dark-brown, mixed with white ; the 

 under part of the body whitifh ; the tail is thrown, and 

 grows gradually deeper towards the end, wjiere it is 

 black \ the claws are long, thin, and hooked, like thofe 

 of a Cat, and enable it to keep hold where it happens to 

 fall ; it alfo catches hold with its tail, which is long and 

 mufcular. 



It is a wild and timid animal. — Its bite is fo ftrong, 

 that it can make its efcape from a wooden cage with 

 great facility. 



A variety is found in Virginia, called, by Mr Pennant, 

 the Hooded Squirrel •, the lateral membrane begin- 

 ning at the chin and ears, where it forms a kind of 

 hood, and extending, like that of the former, from the 

 fore to the hind legs : Its body is of a reddifh colour 

 above, and of a yellowifii afh beneath.— It is a rare fpe- 

 eies, not much noticed by naturalifts. 



