THE LESSER AMERICAN FLYING SQUIRREL. 
Pteromys Volvcella. Cuv. 
It would be difficult to find in the entire class of 
Quadrupeds a more graceful little creature, or one 
better fitted for a lady's pet, than the elegant animal 
figured above. Its diminutive size, the singularity of 
its form, the expression of its physiognomy, the vivacity 
of its motions, and the gentleness of its disposition, all 
combine to render it one of the most interesting, as 
well as the most beautiful, of a beautiful and interesting 
tribe. 
The group to which this attractive little animal be- 
longs are, as we have before remarked, principally 
distinguished from the Common Squirrels by what is 
usually termed their flying membrane. This apparatus 
consists of a folding of the skin along either side so as 
to form broad lateral expansions, supported anteriorly 
