THE LEMURS . 
93 
of animals on acconnt of their nocturnal habits, and their stealthy, noiseless step, which 
renders their progress almost as inaudible as that of the unearthly beings from whom they 
derive their name. 
The Ruffed Lemue is one of the handsomest of this family, challenging a rivalship even 
with the Ring-tailed Lemur in point of appearance. 
The texture of the fur is extremely fine, and its color presents bold contrasts between pure 
white and a jetty blackness, the line of demarcation being strongly defined. The face of the 
Ruffed Lemur is black, and a fringe of long white hairs stands out like a ruff round the face, 
giving to the creature its very 
appropriate title. 
As is the case with all the 
Lemurs, it is a native of Mada- 
gascar and of the adjacent 
islands, and seems to take the 
place of the ordinary monkeys. 
Of all the Lemurs this species 
is the largest, its size equalling 
that of a moderately grown cat. 
Its voice is a sepulchral, deep 
roar, peculiarly loud, consider- 
ing the size of the animal, and 
can be heard at a great distance 
in the stilly night. As the Le- 
murs delight in gathering to- 
gether in large companies, the 
effect of their united voices is 
most deafening. The eyes are 
furnished with a transverse pu- 
pil, which dilates as darkness 
draws on, enabling the creature 
to see even in a dark night, and 
to make search after their daily, 
or rather their nightly food. 
This species is timid at the 
presence of man, and hides itself 
at the sound of his footsteps. 
But if pursued and attacked, it 
takes instant courage from de- 
spair, and flinging itself boldly 
on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the conflict, its sharp teeth stand it in good stead, 
and inflict wounds of no trifling severity. 
It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays much gentle 
affection, readily recognizing its friends, and offering itself for their caresses, but avoiding the 
touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to whom it takes a dislike. It is very 
impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a fire, where it will perch itself for an hour at a time 
without moving, its attention solely taken up by the grateful warmth. 
It is an active creature, being able to leap to some distance, and always attaining its mark 
with unfailing accuracy. While leaping or running rapidly, the tail is held in a peculiar and 
graceful attitude, following, indeed, Hogarth’s line of beauty. 
The Rixg-tailed Lemue, or Macao, is at once recognizable by the peculiarity from which 
it derives its popular name. 
It is not quite so large as the Ruffed Lemur, as it only measures a foot from nose to tail, 
the tail itself being some seven or eight inches in length. In captivity it soon becomes familiar, 
and when it chooses to exhibit its powers, is very amusing with its merry pranks. If several 
RUFFED LEMUR .— Lemur macaco. 
