PTEROMYS LEPIDUS. 
tuft of long hairs to the extremity of the ears ; a tail slightly extended in breadth in 
the middle, a tawny tint generally diffused over the upper parts, and a greater size. 
The entire length of the Pteromys genibarbis is thirteen inches and three fourths ; 
that of the Pteromys lepidus is seven inches and three fourths. The flying membrane 
is similar in both, and admits of great expansion. The colour of Pteromys lepidus 
above is dark brown inclining to black: the head, neck, and back are mixed with 
gray, which colour shews itself in very delicate tufts. The base of the tail, and 
the extremity of the body, are more uniformly grayish : towards the end of the tail, 
the brown colour is less intense, and inclines slightly to tawny. The extremities 
have above a lighter brownish-gray tint. Underneath, the general colour is white, 
with a delicate yellowish hue ; this passes imperceptibly to brown towards the border 
of the membrane and towards the thighs. The tail beyond the base has the same 
tint as the outer parts of the membrane. This is surrounded by a whitish border 
of delicate fur, and the thighs have exteriorly a beautiful fringe of long hairs. The 
extremities underneath, the cartilage by which the membrane is expanded, and the 
teeth are yellowish. The ears are large, oblong, and extend far from the head ; the 
tip is naked, the covering of the base is extremely minute and delicate. The bristles 
are longer than the head, very thick at the base, arising near each other from one 
point between the hp and the eyes, and have a straight lateral direction. The tail 
is longer than the body, oblong, and rounded at the extremity ; the hairs that 
compose it are silky, of uniform length, and spread with perfect regularity to each 
side, forming a well-defined distichous tail : the base is somewhat contracted. The 
head is thick, and the muzzle proportionally short. The feet and toes agree in 
character with those of Pteromys genibarbis. 
The Pteromys lepidus is a nocturnal animal, and in its manners and food 
resembles the other species of this genus. It is only found in the closest forests of 
Java, where the height of the trees "and the luxuriance of the foliage effectually 
conceal it. It is with great difficulty pursued or seized. On the Plate it is repre- 
sented of natural size. 
