number of false molars varies. All the species
known appear to be confined to the Australian
continent.
"During the day,” observes Mr. Bennett of this pretty animal, “it generally remains quietly nestled in the hollows of trees, but becomes animated as night advances, and skims through the air, supported by its lateral expansions, half leaping, half flying, from branch to branch, feeding upon leaves and insects. This peculiar mode of locomotion
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SQUIRREL PHALANGER,
can scarcely be considered as a true flight, inasmuch as the cutaneous folds which serve the purposes of wings seem rather destined for the mere support of the animal in its long and apparently desperate leaps, than for raising it in the air, and directing its course towards any given object. For this latter purpose they are indeed but little fitted by their structure, the want of proper muscles in