.FAMILY OF LEMURS. 
7' 
"fendLer before a fire, and in this situation will spread their hands, half close their 
eyes, and testify unequivocal satisfaction. During the day they sleep in a ball¬ 
like figure on their perch, and if two be in a cage together, they sit close to one 
another, with their tails wrapped (Boa-like) round each other s body, so as to 
make one round ball, from which, on being disturbed, two heads suddenly make 
their appearance. Their temper is gentle, and they are pleased with being noticed, 
delighting to have their heads scratched or rubbed, for which purpose they will 
press them to the bars of their cage, and continue so to do as long as thus grati¬ 
fied. Their intelligence is, however, far more limited than that of the Monkeys 
nor have they the prying, mischievous, petulant disposition of those animals, so 
that they may be trusted, with due precautions, in a room at liberty. When 
presented with food, they usually take it in their hands, but not always, for we 
have seen them feed upon soft bread without holding it; they lap fluid like a Dog. 
In size the Lemurs equal a Cat, and some are longer; when in motion their tail 
is elevated in a sigmoid form, and not trailed after them. 
Of the restricted genus Lemur^ the following are the species:— 
1. —The Ruffed Lemur (Lemur Macaco^ Linn.) —The fur is varied with large 
patches of black, on a pure white ground; the hands and feet are black, and 
a full white ruff surrounds the face.—In Mus. Zool. Soe. 
2. —The Black Lemurf Lemurnigerfi'&OY'P .')—This rare species was first described 
by Edwards, in his Gleanings^ under the title of “ Black Macauco,” figured 
from a living specimen, in 1775* H remained a doubtful species till the 
accession of an individual to the menagerie of the Zoological Society, in 
1833. It is noticed in the Proceedings for that year, p. 68.—In Mus. 
Zool. Soc. 
■3.— Redfronted Lemur ( Lemur rufifrons, Bennett), a new species described by 
Mr. Bennett, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society^ in 1833, p. 106, 
from a specimen in the menagerie. General colour dark grey; a rufous 
patch occupies the forehead, with a longitudinal streak of black down the 
centre, expanding over the nose; limbs, under parts, and tail, tinged with 
rufous.—In Mus. Zool. Soc. 
4.—Red Lemur (Lemur ruher^ Peron). —This species was first discovered by 
Commerson, who saw and figured the animal in 1T63. MM. Peron and 
Le Sueur, who accompanied the celebrated expedition under Capt. Baudin, 
brought a skin to Paris; and ten years afterwards a living individual was 
brought there, from which F. Cuvier took his figure. A living specimen 
existed some time since at Exeter Change, and another was in the menagerie 
of the Zool Soc. in the year 1830.—It is described and figured in the Gar^ 
_ den and Menagerie delineated. Colour bright rufous, hands, tail, and belly ■ 
black; and a large oval patch of white occupies the back of the neck,—In ■ 
Mus. ZooL Soc. 
