6 
MAMMALIA. 
This species is probably the Sciurus modestus figured in the 
work ])ublisbed by tbe Dutch Grovernment, as it differs only 
from that figure in being somewhat darker. 
It lives on tlie ground, and is very abundant, though but 
seldom seen during the day ; it frequents decaying fallen 
trees, along the trunks of which it is fond of running, every 
now and then stopping to jerk up its tail in a peculiar 
manner ; when running it carries its hack up like the common 
English Squirrel, but the tail is not erected ; it has a very 
slight musky smell. We have seen one regularly hunted by 
scent by a Musang, a sort of Polecat ; it evinced the greatest 
distress, and constantly uttered a sharp squeak ; these Squir- 
rels frequent store-houses, like rats, and commit great havoc 
among the rice bags. 
Sciimia rufoniger (Gray) Var. 
Throat ; body below, and inner sides of fore and hind legs deep 
rufous red ; all the rest of the body jet black ; ears .short and 
rounded; whiskers long. 
Length from nose to base of tail, 10|- inches. 
„ of tail, 1.0 inches. 
„ from tip of nose to base of ear, 1 inch 8 lines.* 
The present specimen difl'ers from the description given of 
Sciums rufoniger by Mr. Dray, in wanting tbe “indistinct 
streak along each side, and the outer side of the thigh white 
grizzled.” 
These handsome little animals appear to be solitary in 
their habits, as we have only oiiqe seen even two together, 
and these we believe had their nest near. Unlike the Sciurus 
they are silent and lithe in their motions, getting 
along the tree-tops almost without shaking them ; in the* 
note they somewhat resemble the last-mentioned Squirrels, as 
it is of the same character, hut rather an oft-repeated grunt 
than a chatter, not unlike a repetition of the imperfect note 
of the Cuckow just before he becomes silent : the tail is 
usually carried pendant. A young one, which Oaj)t. Keppel 
caught in Labuan, slept with the back up and the no.se 
between the hind feet, like some monkeys. 
Thrmighout the work a “ lino ' raeanc onc-twoli’ili of an inch. 
