a great measure incapacitating them from performing such offices as are dependent on volition. It
may be doubted, however, whether these animals
are entirely destitute of the power of exercising
their will in their flight-like leaps. For the following anecdote bearing upon this subject we are indebted to our friend Mr. Broderip, who related
it to us on unquestionable authority. On board
a vessel sailing off the coast of New Holland, was
a Squirrel Petaurus, which was permitted to roam
about the ship. On one occasion it reached the
mast-head, and, as the sailor who was despatched
to bring it down approached, made a spring from
aloft, to avoid him. At this moment the ship gave
a heavy lurch, which, if the original direction of
the little creature’s course had been continued,
must have plunged it into the sea. All who
witnessed the scene were in pain for its safety:
but it suddenly appeared to check itself, and so
to modify its career that it alighted safely on the
deck.”
These beautiful little animals have been kept in captivity in this country. ‘They are active and sportive by night, but rather shy and timid; during the day they remain rolled up in their nests of wool or other warm materials, in a state of slumber; but on the approach of dusk become animated, leaping from side to side of their cage with great agility. In their native countries they are said to associate in small flocks, concealing themselves by day in hollow trees. Their aérial evolutions, when the shades of evening have roused them from their inactivity are described as being peculiarly graceful, their limbs stretched out horizontally, and their long well-furred tails quivering behind like
