MO USE-LEMURS. 
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with hair, in the tops of the lofty trees where it delights to dwell. These nests 
somewhat resemble those of a rook both in form and size, and are used not only 
as diurnal resting-places but as cradles for the young. The species is remarkable for 
the extreme beauty of its brilliant eyes. 
Mr. G. A. Shaw writes that the dwarf lemurs “ inhabit a belt of forest-land 
stretching from the eastern forest into the heart of Betsileo, a few miles north of 
Fianarantsoa, where they are tolerably abundant. They live on the tops of the 
highest trees, choosing invariably the smallest branches, where they collect a 
THE MURINE MOUSE-LEMUR (J nat. size). 
quantity of dried leaves, and make what looks from below like a bird’s-nest. So 
close is the resemblance, that it requires good eyes to distinguish the one from 
the other. Their food consists of fruit and insects, and most probably honey. I 
have frequently seen them catching the flies that have entered their cage for 
the honey; and I have supplied them with moths and butterflies, which they 
have devoured with avidity. They are extremely shy and wild. Although 
I have had between thirty and forty caged at different times, I have never 
succeeded in taming one. They are also very quarrelsome, and fight very fiercely, 
uttering a most piercing, penetrating sound, somewhat resembling a very shrill 
whistle.” 
