144 
VISITS TO MADAGASCAR. 
CHAP. V. 
which I was anxious to obtain information, and, if possible, 
procure specimens. Among these was the Aye-Aye, Cheiromys 
Madagascariensis, a remarkable animal, found only in Mada¬ 
gascar, and of which only one skeleton specimen exists in Eu¬ 
rope, in the Museum of Paris. I spoke to some of the intelli¬ 
gent natives about the Aye-Aye, and found it was but rarely 
met with, and seemed to be regarded with a sort of superstitious 
feeling, which would make them rather unwilling to attempt its 
THE AYE-AYE. 
capture. From their remarks and those of others, it does not 
appear to be confined to the western coast of the island, as 
has been supposed, several having been taken in other parts, 
and I was led to infer that there is more than one species, as 
some described the animal as larger than others. 
