256 On the Dentition of Sciuropterus — a genus of Rodentia. [Auo. 
fallacies,” “ the lame and impotent conclusions,” “the rotten foundation” be- 
longed ? We find him, at his setting out, accusing the Political Economists of 
advocating the infallibility of Mr. Ricardo, insinuating by this, that they claimed 
for their leader what none in modern times, but the papists ever did for theirs, 
namely, that his bare assertion was entitled to implicit confidence. He lias 
confounded “ the infallibility of Mr. Ricardo” with “ the infallibility of Mr, 
Ricardo’s reasonings on a particular subject there being as much difference 
between the two, as between “ the infallibility of Newton” and “ the infallibility of 
some of Newton’s reasonings.” 
If there be any thing of correctness in the foregoing remarks, one third, and 
last truth, forces itself upon us, viz. that our author has thrown no new light 
on the subject of Political Economy. He tells us, “ that if he be found unconsciously 
tripping, he will be happy to be informed of it.” I have taken him at his word, 
and trust to his good sense to receive candidly my honest criticism. 
Hoc petimus damusque vicissim. 
E. H. 
IV. — On the Dentition o/Sciuropterus — a genus of Rodentia. 
“ In this remarkable character, the Flying Squirrels of Siberia and North 
America agree with those of the Asiatic islands ; but the latter, or at least the 
best known species among them, differ, according to M. F. Cuvier, in some mi- 
nute particulars of their dentition. The differences which he has observed and 
figured, however, appear to be little more than might be produced by detrition oi 
the crowns of the teeth ; and we cannot, therefore, regard the genus founded by 
him upon this single consideration, as by any means completely established.” 
Gardens and Menagerie Zool. Sue. v. yP • l§b\ 
The cranium of a species of Sciuropterus 1 or Pteromys, whichever desig- 
nation may finally be determined upon, being in my possession, I was induced, by a 
perusal of this passage, to compare its dental system with that of Sciurus : and the 
following observations are the result of my examination. My specimen, I should 
premise, was, I believe, from Sumbhulpore but probably the same genus, if not the 
very 7 species, may 7 be common to the Archipelago, and to Continental India. 
Fortunately 7 , a specific description is not required for our present purpose ; f° r 
if it were, I have not immediately by me the means of furnishing it : certain cir- 
cumstances having prevented me from taking the proper notices at the death of 
the animal, which I had neglected to take during its life. I purchased it from a 
common shikari, who stated, that he procured it in the hills, which, judging 
fiom his description, are situated on the bounds of Sumbhulpore : and although 
in a sickly 7 state, owing to an injury 7 received when caught, it remained in my 
possession for several months, till at length it died of diarrhoea. In size it some- 
what exceeded the Sciurus maximus , or Malabar squirrel ; tbe colour was that ot 
the Chinchilla lanigera , which animal it also nearly 7 approached in the silky tex- 
tuie of its beautiful fur : the tail was long, and the flying membrane ample* In 
1 M.F. Cuvier applies this term to the flying squirrels of Siberia and North 
Ameiica, but to them his brother, Baron Cuvier, had previously given the name ot 
Pteromys; and as no good could arise from the change, both being equally expressive, 
or inexpressive, I have followed up the idea of Mr. Vigors in the above work, and 
applied the new term to the oriental genus. 
