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NATURAL HISTORY. 
inquiring of T,y companions they said the noise proceeded from the Black-and-white Lemurs— Zemur 
macaco, or Lemur ravins (Geoffroy) — of which there were great numbers in the forests. I had repeatedly 
seen Lemurs of more than one species in the market at Tamatave, and numbers among the people of 
the place. There were two or three of the large ruffed Lemurs in a house near my own dwelling, and 
they seemed to be quite domesticated. Though covered with thick, almost woolly, hair, they appeared 
to be ill at ease in wet or cold weather, but to luxuriate in the warm sunshine. I often noticed 
two or three of them together on a line morning after rain raised upon their hind legs, on 
the outside of the house, leaning back against the wall with their fore legs spread out, evidently 
enjoying the warmth of the sun which was shining upon them. They are often kept tame by the 
natives for a long time, and numbers are sold to the masters of ships and others visiting the port. 
We had one on board the ship in which I made my first voyage from Madagascar. It was a fine 
animal, and during the twenty-eight days of our passage I had frequent opportunities of observing its 
disposition and habits. It was tied to a boat on deck, and in a basket under the fore paid of the boat 
it found a partial shelter from the rain and wind. It conveyed its food — boiled rice and fruit — to its 
mouth by the hand; and it was gentle and sociable, seemingly grateful for any trilling notice or kindness. 
1 frequently gave it water, which it lapped like a Dog, and occasionally a banana ; and in a short time 
it seemed to watch my movements whenever I came on deck, jumping on my arm or shoulder if I 
approached the boat ; but was most delighted when, attaching a long line to the short cord tied round 
its body, I loosened it from the boat and allowed it to run up the cords or rigging, which it ascended 
with astonishing ease and speed, sitting sometimes with apparent pleasure on the extremity of the 
yard. It was scrupulously clean, and seemed unable to endure any tar or other dirt on its shaggy 
coat. One morning, during a heavy gale of wind, when there was much motion of the ship and great 
confusion and noise among the sailors, the Lemur seemed unusually excited, and clapped its hands 
together, and chattered loud in a most extraordinary manner, occasioning great uneasiness amongst 
the HUFFED LEMUK. {After Scldejel and Pollen.) 
