THE RED LEMUR. 
147 
other respects the Lemurs agree for the most part with 
the other animals which compose the family. As in 
them their hands and feet are equally well formed for 
grasping with those of the Monkeys, to which they 
approximate very closely in the more essential points 
of their internal structure ; the fore-fingers of the pos- 
terior extremities have long subulate claws, while the 
nails of all the other fingers are flat; their eyes are 
large and directed forwards ; and their nostrils terminal 
in a naked muzzle. None of the group exceed from 
two feet to two feet and a half in length, exclusive of 
the tail ; and the greater number of them are scarcely 
more than half that size. Upwards of a dozen species 
have been described ; but it is probable that of these 
not more than eight or nine would stand the test of a 
rigid examination. 
The Lemurs are all natives of Madagascar and of 
one or two smaller islands in its neighbourhood. We 
know but little of their habits in a state of nature, but 
they are said to live in large bands upon the trees, 
feeding principally upon fruits ; and their conformation 
renders this account extremely probable. They are 
almost equally agile with the Monkeys ; but are much 
more gentle and peaceable in their dispositions. In 
captivity they are generally good-tempered, but do not 
usually exhibit much playfulness or intelligence. After 
a time, however, they become familiar with those who 
have the care of them, towards whom they will some- 
times evince a considerable degree of affection. Fruits 
and roots form the principal part of their nutriment ; 
but dressed meat or even raw fish appear to be not 
unwelcome additions to their vegetable diet. Notwith- 
standing the thickness of their coats they are extremely 
chilly, and are very fond of basking in the sun or 
crouching by the fireside. In walking or leaping they 
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