RING-TAILED LEMUR', 59 
healthy the whole upper part of the body Is cover- 
ed with long soft and thick fur, a little curled or 
waved* of a deep brownish ash colour ; its tail 
is very long and covered with the same sort of fur 
of the same colour ; its breast and belly are 
white ; the hands and feet naked and dusky ; the 
nails* as in the two former species* flat ; except 
that of the inner toe of the hind feet ; it varies 
sometimes with white or yellow paws* and a face 
wholly brown. 
It inhabits Madagascar and the adjacent isles ; 
turns its tail over its head to protect it from rain ; 
feeds on fruits* and sleeps on trees ; it is very 
good natured* and very sportive* but very tender ; 
it is found as far as Celebes or Macassar. 
BufTon gives the history of one that he had in 
his possession for several years. He says* that 
its tongue was rough like that of a cat ; that 
when permitted* it would continue licking a per- 
son’s hand till it was inflamed* and often finished 
this operation with ,a severe bite. It amused itself 
with gnawing its own tail* and actually destroyed 
four or five vertebrae. Whenever he could escape* 
he went into the neighbouring shops in quest of 
fruits* sugar* and sweet meats* opened the boxes 
that contained them* and helped himself. He 
dreaded cold and moisture ; in cold weather Ije 
never left the fire* and would stand on end to 
warm himself His movements were extremely 
brisk* and sometimes petulant. He often slept 
during the day ; but his slumbers were so light* 
that the smallest noise awaked him. They are* 
however* generally gentle in captivity. 
Ring-tailed lemur. 
This* says the count de Buffon* is a beautiful 
animal ; bis aspect is agreeable ; his figure ele- 
