GREAT SQUIRREL. 
89 
by paths, that to all other quadrupeds but itself 
are utterly impassable. Its usual way of moving 
is by bounds ; these it takes from one tree to ano- 
ther. at forty feet distance ; and if at any time it 
is obliged to descend, it runs up the side of the 
next tree with amazing facility. 
Great squirrel. 
Op all the species yet discovered, this is the 
largest, being equal in size to a cat. It is a native 
of India, and was first described by Mons. Sonnerat, 
who informs us it is found in the Malabar country, 
and especially about the mountains of Cardamone, 
where it feeds on fruits, and is particularly fond 
of the milk of the cocoa-nut, which, it pierces when 
ripe, in order to obtain the liquor. 
The fur on the whole animal is long and full ; 
the top of the head, ears, hack, and sides, are fer- 
ruginous, and a small band of a similar colour 
commences beneath each ear, passing along the 
neck towards the sides. Part of the neck, in 
front, the beginning of the body, and outsides of 
the shoulders and thighs, are black ; the tail is 
also black ; the head, under part of the neck, 
insides of the limbs and belly, are yellowish fer- 
ruginous, somewhat paler on the breast ; the iris 
of the eye is of a pale yellow ; the fore feet have 
four toes with crooked claws, and a very small 
thumb or fifth toe, with a small rounded nail ; 
the hind feet have five toes, with strong crooked 
claws on all ; the tail is longer than the body, 
and appears equal to it in size when fully expand- 
ed. This animal, according to Somierat, is ea- 
sily tamed, and is called about the coasts of Mala- 
bar the great wood rat. 
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