then assuming their natural rapid and vivacious
habits: they run about a small tree which is placed
in their cage, using their paws to hold by the
branches, and assisting themselves by their prehensile tail, which is always held in readiness to
support them, especially when in a descending
attitude. Sometimes the tail is thrown in a reverse direction, turned over the back; and at
other times, when the weather is cold, it is rolled
closely up towards the under part, and coiled
almost between the thighs. When eating they
sit upon their hind-quarters, holding the food in
their fore-paws, which, with the face, are the only
parts apparently standing out from the ball of fur,
of which the body seems at that time to be composed. ‘They are perfectly harmless and tame,
permitting any one to hold and caress them, without ever attempting to bite; but do not evince
the least attachment either to persons about them, or’even to each other." [1]
Genus Preravrus. (Shaw.)
Besides the very obvious character which the Flying Phalangers possess in the lateral expansions of the skin, covered with hair; they are distinguished also by having the ears small and hairy, the fur very long and soft; and the tail long, free, and destitute of prehensile power. In the section to which the Squirrel Phalanger (Petaurus sciureus, Shaw) or Sugar Squirrel of the colonists, belongs, the teeth are thus arranged:—inc. 62; can. 1—10—0; false mol. 3—34—4; mol. 4—44—4; = 40; but in other species the
- ↑ Trans. Linn. Soc. xvi. 121.
