THE SLOW-LEMURS. SUB-FAMILY I. LORISINÆ.
This Sub-family has been constituted to receive a small number of Lemurs, which, although occupying limited areas in two widely separated continents—one genus being African and the others Asiatic—present certain characters in common. They are recognised by having soft woolly fur, a triangular head and pointed face, very large and staring eyes, set close together, while their ears are naked along their margin. Their fore- and hind-limbs are nearly equal. In the Asiatic genera the index finger is very small, while in the African it is quite rudimentary and nail-less. In both groups the thumb diverges widely from the other fingers, and the great toe is directed backwards, but the ankle-bones of the foot are not elongated. The tail is either so short as to be quite concealed in the fur, or is less than one-third of the length of the body.
Fig. 6.Fig. 6. Front Teeth of Perodicticus, Nycticebus and Loris, after Mivart (P. Z. S., 1864, p. 631).
Fig. 6. Front Teeth of Perodicticus, Nycticebus and Loris, after Mivart (P. Z. S., 1864, p. 631).
Fig. 6. Front Teeth of Perodicticus, Nycticebus and Loris, after Mivart (P. Z. S., 1864, p. 631).
In the skull the squamosal region with the outer and posterior portion of the ear capsules (the periotic) are inflated. The dental formula of the Slow-Lemurs is the same as given above for the family generally. In the upper jaw, the two incisors are usually equal, but, if unequal, the inner incisor is always the larger (Fig. 6); the vertically long canine, which is separated by a gap from the anterior pre-molar, presents both in front and behind a neck or cingulum, which is cusped behind; the pre-molars are canine-like, and have the cingulum produced behind into a heel (or talon). The anterior of the three isvertically longer than the median, while both the median and posterior have, to the outside, one main cusp with a minute one on each side of it, and two inner cusps; the molars are all cingulate, and have to the outside two main cusps (separated by a minute cusp) and two inner cusps, the outer and inner cusps alternating. Of the anterior and median molars, the two main outside cusps are sub-equal, and are flanked on each side by a minute cusp; the posterior molar is short and wide, and has only one minute cusp in front of its anterior main cusp. Of the lower jaw, the pre-molars are canine-like, the anterior being vertically long and having a posterior heel; the posterior pre-molar, which differs in size from the anterior, presents two main cusps to the outside and one minute cusp in front; the molars, both anterior and median, are four-cusped, with a minute cusp in front, the posterior being five-cusped, while all have their front cusps vertically taller than the hind ones.
Among theLorisinæthe dorsal and lumbar vertebræ together number from twenty-one to twenty-three. The cæcum, at the junction of the larger and smaller intestine, is long. The main artery of the fore- and hind-limbs breaks up into arete mirabileof numerous small parallel branches.
The Slow-Lemurs are distributed in the western parts of the African continent, and in the Indian, Malayan and Indo-Chinese portions of the Oriental region. It is a remarkable fact that this group should be confined to one portion of Africa and be entirely absent from Madagascar, the country where the Lemurs form so characteristic a feature in the fauna.
TheLorisinæembrace three genera, the Pottos (Perodicticus) from the African continent; the Slender Loris (Loris), and the Slow-Loris (Nycticebus), both of which inhabit the Oriental region.
THE POTTOS. GENUS PERODICTICUS.
Perodicticus, Bennett, P. Z. S., 1839, p. 109; Huxley, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 235.Arctocebus, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 150; Mivart, P.Z.S., 1864, p. 644.
Perodicticus, Bennett, P. Z. S., 1839, p. 109; Huxley, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 235.
Arctocebus, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 150; Mivart, P.Z.S., 1864, p. 644.
This genus contains two species, both confined to the West Coast of Africa. The Pottos are slender-bodied animals, with oval heads and blunt Dog-shaped muzzles. Their eyes are large and full, and their external ears erect, with shelf-like lamellæ inside. They have slender and sub-equal limbs. The second digit of the fore-limb is rudimentary and nail-less; it is supported on one wrist-bone, and has two phalanges or finger-bones. The great toe is opposable, and the fourth and fifth digits of both limbs are united together by membrane as far as the first joint. The processes of the vertebræ in the neck and back are long and protruding. The tail is very short.
The pre-maxillæ (which carry the incisor teeth) do not project in front, nor does the bony palate extend farther back than the end of the posterior molar teeth. Of the upper teeth the incisors are equal in size (Fig. 6); the median and posterior pre-molars have on their crowns three cusps, of which the two outer are the larger; the anterior and median molars are cingulate, have four-cusped crowns, and are larger than the pre-molars; the posterior is narrow from before backwards, and its crown presents only two or three cusps. Of the lower teeth, the anterior pre-molar is recurved and larger than the canine, with a ridge on its inner face and a cusped heel behind; the median and posterior ones are shorter than their anterior fellow, each having a strong posterior cusped heel; the anterior and medianmolars have their crowns four-cusped and are nearly equal in length; the crown of the posterior molar is 4-5-cusped, and has a ridge joining its anterior heel to its front outer cusp. Transverse and oblique ridges are well marked on the crowns of both the upper and lower cheek-teeth.
I. THE CALABAR POTTO. PERODICTICUS CALABARENSIS.
Perodicticus calabarensis, Smith, Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc., Edinb., 1860, p. 172, figs. 1, 2.Arctocebus calabarensis, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 150; Huxley, P. Z. S., p. 314, pl. 28 (1864).Nycticebus calabarensis, Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 287 (1876).
Perodicticus calabarensis, Smith, Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc., Edinb., 1860, p. 172, figs. 1, 2.
Arctocebus calabarensis, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 150; Huxley, P. Z. S., p. 314, pl. 28 (1864).
Nycticebus calabarensis, Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 287 (1876).
Fig. 7.Fig. 7. Hand and Foot ofP. calabarensis(after Huxley, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 319).
Fig. 7. Hand and Foot ofP. calabarensis(after Huxley, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 319).
Fig. 7. Hand and Foot ofP. calabarensis(after Huxley, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 319).
Characters.—Hair long, wool-like; face, hands, and feet thinly haired. Head 2½ inches long, tapering in front; muzzle prominent and blunt; ears large, pointed, and projecting above the level of the head, with short hairs, two lamellæ inside, and marginal tufts; neck short; hind-limbs slightly larger andlonger than the fore-limbs; hands smaller than the feet; thumb thick, with a tubercle at base; the wrist-bone of the very rudimentary index-finger supporting two rudimentary finger-bones; third finger not parallel to fourth and fifth; the fourth longest (Fig. 7). Great toe with a tubercle at its base, opposable. Tail ¼ inch long, hidden in the fur of the body.
Fur grey at base of hairs, fawn-coloured farther up, and tipped with dark brown, uniform over the body and limbs; face darker; sides of head lighter; line from brow down the nose white. No vibrissæ on face and no eyebrows; chin, throat, inner surface of limbs, and under side of body, greyish-white.
Posterior upper molar nearly equal to posterior pre-molar, with the hind inner cusp of the crown rudimentary. Lower incisors not visible beyond the lip, cingulate; posterior molar five-cusped and relatively larger than in the next species (P. potto). Bony palate with large perforations behind the incisors. Intestines, 40 inches long; cæcum, 2½ inches.
Distribution.—The "Angwantibo," as this species is called, is known only from Old Calabar, on the west coast of Africa.
II. BOSMAN'S POTTO, PERODICTICUS POTTO.
Potto, Bosman, Beschrijving van de Guinese Goudkust, ii., p. 32, fig. 4 (1704).Nycticebus potto, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 165 (1812); Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas vii., p. 287 (1876).Perodicticus geoffroyi, Bennett, P. Z. S., 1830, p. 109.Perodicticus potto, V. der Hoeven, Tijdschr. v. Natuurl. Gesch., xi., p. 41 (1844); Wagner, in Schreber's Säugeth. Suppl., v., p. 183 (1855).Stenops potto, Pel, Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde, 1852, p. 41.
Potto, Bosman, Beschrijving van de Guinese Goudkust, ii., p. 32, fig. 4 (1704).
Nycticebus potto, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 165 (1812); Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas vii., p. 287 (1876).
Perodicticus geoffroyi, Bennett, P. Z. S., 1830, p. 109.
Perodicticus potto, V. der Hoeven, Tijdschr. v. Natuurl. Gesch., xi., p. 41 (1844); Wagner, in Schreber's Säugeth. Suppl., v., p. 183 (1855).
Stenops potto, Pel, Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde, 1852, p. 41.
Characters.—More common than the Angwantibo anddistinguished from it by its rounder, shorter, and wider head, less produced muzzle, smaller mouth, and eyes farther apart; ears shorter, rounder, and directed more backwards, with one lamella on the inner surface. Hands longer, flat and thin; index-finger not so reduced as inP. calabarensis. Tail very short, little more than an inch long, but visible beyond the fur. Length of body, 8 inches.
Upper pre-molars less canine-like than in the preceding species; posterior upper molar differing in size from and set farther out than the others, short and wide, with the crown elliptical and only two-cusped, the two hind-cusps wanting. Lower incisors more prominent and projecting than inP. calabarensis; crown of posterior lower molar four-cusped.
Adult.—Upper surface rich reddish-brown with a black dorsal stripe widening opposite the shoulders, and fading out towards the tail; under side yellowish or reddish-white. Hair on face shorter and paler, with a dark ring round the eyes.
Young.—Reddish-brown all over, redder on the back of the head and neck, darker on the shoulders; creamy-white, washed with rufous, beneath.
Fur silver-grey at the base of the hairs, with reddish-brown tips in younger, and dark golden-brown in older, individuals.
Distribution.—The Potto is one of the oldest known members of the Lemuroid group, having been described in 1704 by Bosman, who met with it on his voyage to Guinea. It was, however, lost sight of until 1825, when it was rediscovered in Sierra Leone and fully described by Bennett in 1830. It is known also from Gaboon.
Habits.—Both species of Potto are nocturnal and arboreal, and are exceedingly slow in their movements. In catchinginsects or flies, which form part of their food, they proceed with extraordinary deliberation, never quickening their movements, and yet rarely, if ever, missing their prey.
Bosman in his description of the Gold Coast of Guinea, gives a woodcut of the Potto, which, he says, is a "Draught of a Creature, by theNegroescalledPotto, but known to us by the Name of Sluggard, doubtless from its lazy, sluggish Nature; a whole day being little enough for it to advance ten Steps forward.
"Some Writers affirm, that when this Creature has climbed upon a Tree, he doth not leave it until he hath eaten up not only the Fruit, but the leaves intirely; and then descends fat and in very good case in order to get up into another Tree; but before his slow pace can compass this, he becomes as poor and lean as 'tis possible to imagine: And if the trees be high, or the way anything distant, and he meets with nothing on his journey, he inevitably dies of Hunger, betwixt one tree and the other. Thus 'tis represented by others, but I will not undertake for the Truth of it; though theNegroesare apt to believe something like it.
"This is such a horrible ugly Creature that I don't believe anything besides so very disagreeable is to be found on the whole Earth; the Print is a very lively Description of it: Its Fore-feet are very like Hands, the Head strangely disproportionately large; that from whence this Print was taken was of a pale Mouse colour: but it was then very young, and his Skin yet smooth, but when old, as I saw one atElminain the year 1699, 'tis red and covered with a sort of Hair as thick set as Flocks of Wool. I know nothing more of this Animal, than that 'tis impossible to look on him without Horrour, and that he hath nothing very particular but his odious Ugliness."
THE SLENDER LORIS. GENUS LORIS.
Loris, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl., Ann. 2, i., p. 48 (1796).Stenops, Illiger, Prodr., p. 73 (1811).
Loris, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl., Ann. 2, i., p. 48 (1796).
Stenops, Illiger, Prodr., p. 73 (1811).
As this genus contains only a solitary species, its characters are necessarily those of the species.
I. THE SLENDER LORIS. LORIS GRACILIS.
Loris gracilis, Geoffr., Magas. Encycl. Ann. 4, i., p. 48 (1796); id. Catal., p. 37, no. 1 (1803); id. Ann. Mus., xix., p. 163 (1812); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 79 (1851); Blyth, Cat. Mamm. As. Soc., p. 19 (1863); Anderson, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus., p. 97 (1881); Blanf., Faun. Brit. Ind. Mamm., p. 47 (1888).Nycticebus gracilis, Fischer, Syn. Mamm., p. 70 (1829); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 284 (1876).Stenops tardigradus, Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm., p. 73 (1811, pt.).Stenops gracilis, Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr., Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844); Kelaart, Prod. Fauna Zeyl., p. 9 (1852).
Loris gracilis, Geoffr., Magas. Encycl. Ann. 4, i., p. 48 (1796); id. Catal., p. 37, no. 1 (1803); id. Ann. Mus., xix., p. 163 (1812); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 79 (1851); Blyth, Cat. Mamm. As. Soc., p. 19 (1863); Anderson, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus., p. 97 (1881); Blanf., Faun. Brit. Ind. Mamm., p. 47 (1888).
Nycticebus gracilis, Fischer, Syn. Mamm., p. 70 (1829); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 284 (1876).
Stenops tardigradus, Illiger, Prodr. Syst. Mamm., p. 73 (1811, pt.).
Stenops gracilis, Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr., Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844); Kelaart, Prod. Fauna Zeyl., p. 9 (1852).
Characters.—A slender-bodied animal covered with close, soft, and woolly fur. Head short and round; eyes very large; nose narrow and much pointed; ears small and haired externally; tips nude. Limbs long, remarkably slender and angularly bent; hands and feet covered with short hair; index-finger with three phalanges and finger-bones.
Skull with eye-sockets closely approximating, in the centre separated only by a thin plate of bone; nasal and premaxillary bones prolonged forward to support the narrow pointed nose; cranium, along its base to end of nasal bones, two inches long, broader across the orbits than behind in front of the articulation of lower jaw; bony palate extending back beyond theposterior molar tooth. In the upper jaw the incisors are small and equal (Fig. 6); posterior pre-molar similar to, but smaller than the anterior molar; anterior molar with the oblique ridge on crown well developed; crown of posterior molar four-cusped, that of the posterior lower molar five-cusped. Dorsal and lumbar vertebræ together, 23; caudal vertebræ, 6-8.
The alimentary canal is four times the length of the body.
Adult.—Dingy grey above, darker on back, paler on lower back; the hairs tipped with white. Sides of body, outside of fore- and hind-limbs dingy white, with a faint rufous wash on the outside of the hind-limbs. Face and ring round eyes dark greyish-brown; streak along nose white, branching on forehead above the eyes on each side into a broad ring encircling the dark ocular ring; this frontal branch sometimes absent. Under side greyish-white. Hairs of fur greyish-white at base, dark in the middle, and tipped with white. Length, 8 inches.
Young.—More rust-coloured than the adult.
Distribution.—The Slender Loris is common in the lower forests of Ceylon and of Southern India, south of the Godaveri river, as well as in those of the Eastern Ghats.
Habits.—This curious, emaciated-looking, little creature is nocturnal, living entirely in trees. It sleeps during the day rolled up in a ball, with its head between its legs, grasping its perch with its hands. According to Jerdon these animals are occasionally brought in large numbers to the Madras market, their eyes being a favourite remedy of the Tamil doctors for ophthalmic diseases.
In its movements it is slightly more active than the Slow-Loris. Its food consists of succulent leaves, honey, insects, birds' eggs, and small animals.
PLATE III.
Plate III.THE JAVAN SLOW-LORIS.
THE JAVAN SLOW-LORIS.
THE JAVAN SLOW-LORIS.
THE SLOW-LORIS. GENUS NYCTICEBUS.
Nycticebus, Geoffr., Ann. du Mus., xix., p. 162 (1812).Stenops(nec Illiger), Van der Hoeven, Tijdsch. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844).Bradycebus, Cuv. et Geoffr., Mém. Class. Mamm. (1795).
Nycticebus, Geoffr., Ann. du Mus., xix., p. 162 (1812).
Stenops(nec Illiger), Van der Hoeven, Tijdsch. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844).
Bradycebus, Cuv. et Geoffr., Mém. Class. Mamm. (1795).
This genus, like the last, is represented by a single species, and its characters, therefore, are detailed below.
I. THE JAVAN SLOW-LORIS. NYCTICEBUS TARDIGRADUS.
Lemur tardigradus, Linn., S. N., i., p. 44 (1766, pt.).Nycticebus bengalensis, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 164 (1812).Nycticebus javanicus, Geoffr., t. c. p. 164 (1812); id. Cat. Primates, p. 78 (1851); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 286 (1876).Nycticebus tardigradus, Fischer, Syn. Mamm., p. 71, no. 2 (1829); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 78 (1851); Blyth, Cat. Mam. As. Soc., p. 18 (1863); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 285 (1876); Anderson, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus., p. 94 (1881); Blanf., Faun. Brit. Ind. Mamm., p. 44 (1888).Stenops tardigradus, Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844); Wagner in Schreb., Säug. Suppl., v., p. 151 (1855).Stenops javanicus, Van der Hoeven,op. cit., p. 40 (1844); Wagner,op. cit., p. 152 (1855).Nycticebus cinereus, Milne-Edw., Ann. Mus., vii., p. 161 (1867); id. N. Arch. Mus., iii., p. 9, pl. 3 (1867); Anderson, Rep. Zool., Yun-nan, p. 103 (1879); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 286 (1876).Lemur menagensis, Nachtrieb, Zool. Anz., xv., p. 147 (1892).(Plate III.)
Lemur tardigradus, Linn., S. N., i., p. 44 (1766, pt.).
Nycticebus bengalensis, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 164 (1812).
Nycticebus javanicus, Geoffr., t. c. p. 164 (1812); id. Cat. Primates, p. 78 (1851); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 286 (1876).
Nycticebus tardigradus, Fischer, Syn. Mamm., p. 71, no. 2 (1829); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 78 (1851); Blyth, Cat. Mam. As. Soc., p. 18 (1863); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 285 (1876); Anderson, Cat. Mamm. Ind. Mus., p. 94 (1881); Blanf., Faun. Brit. Ind. Mamm., p. 44 (1888).
Stenops tardigradus, Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 39 (1844); Wagner in Schreb., Säug. Suppl., v., p. 151 (1855).
Stenops javanicus, Van der Hoeven,op. cit., p. 40 (1844); Wagner,op. cit., p. 152 (1855).
Nycticebus cinereus, Milne-Edw., Ann. Mus., vii., p. 161 (1867); id. N. Arch. Mus., iii., p. 9, pl. 3 (1867); Anderson, Rep. Zool., Yun-nan, p. 103 (1879); Schl., Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 286 (1876).
Lemur menagensis, Nachtrieb, Zool. Anz., xv., p. 147 (1892).
(Plate III.)
Characters.—Body larger and fuller than inLoris, and coveredwith close and woolly fur. Head short and round. Eyes large, set close together, and having a gentle expression; face short and flat; muzzle less projecting than inLoris; ears small, rounded, hairy, and nearly buried in the fur; neck short; tail invisible externally. Limbs short; index-finger small, containing three bones; toes remaining spontaneously contracted after death. Top of skull with prominent crests, globular behind; facial bones conspicuously projecting in front; orbits large, their inner margins separated from each other by a narrow flat space. Pre-maxillæ not produced far in front; hind border of bony palate not extending backwards beyond the median molar. Of the upper teeth, the inner incisor larger than the outer, one often absent on each side; canine vertically very long, with a gap between it and the anterior pre-molar; anterior pre-molar elongate, the posterior differing considerably from the anterior molar, and having a short cusped heel behind; posterior molar with a three-cusped crown. Teeth of lower jaw agreeing with those in the diagnosis of the family (suprà, p.24). Vertebræ in dorsal and lumbar regions together 23 or 24. The long flexor muscle of the thumb, so characteristic of the Anthropoid Apes, is present inNycticebus. The interlacement of the tendons of the muscles of its foot (according to Huxley and Murie) closely resembles the arrangement in the higher Primates. The long flexor muscle of the toes (flexor longus digitorum) is very large, and has one important origin on the lower end (internal condyle) of the thigh-bone correlated with the powerful grasp of its hind-limbs. The female bears one young at a birth.
Above, ashy-grey, rather paler below; more or less silvery on the back, often rufescent on the rump, with the hairs dark ashy at the roots; dorsal stripe from crown to loins chestnutbrown; circle round the eyes dark brown; a white line down the nose between the eyes; oral patch, including the ears, brown.
The Slow-Loris varies greatly in size and colour in the different regions it inhabits, and its varieties have been recognised by many naturalists as distinct species.
Every shade of colour occurs among specimens from different habitats. The colour varies between rufescent grey, or greyish-rufous, or white (with a brown tinge showing through from below) and silvery grey. The dorsal stripe varies from rufous to dull grey or even black, expanding out, or not, on the crown of the head, arms, and cheeks, bifurcating to the orbital rings and ear-patches, or to one or other only. Sometimes the dorsal stripe and face-markings are wanting altogether. Under side varying from pale rufescent grey to light rufous or dull grey. Length of head and body varying from 12¾ to 16 inches.
"It is an interesting fact," observes St. George Mivart, "that as far as concerns the skull and dentition, the AsiaticNycticebusfar more resembles the AfricanPerodicticusthan it does its Oriental neighbourLoris."
Distribution.—The Slow-Loris has a comparatively wide and interrupted range. It is common in the dense mountain forests of Assam and Burma (where it has received the distinctive appellation ofN. bengalensis), as well as in Tenasserim and the Malayan Peninsula. It has also been obtained in Siam and Cochin-China, whence it has been described as a distinct species (N. cinereus), from its silvery-grey fur; while it also occurs—somewhat reduced in size—and often (but not invariably) without the upper incisor teeth—in the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo with its surrounding islet groups,as well as in the Philippine Islands. The form from the last-named localities (figured on Plate III.) has generally been recognised asN. javanicus; but, from a careful examination of the material in the British Museum, it appears to the present writer that the specimens from all these localities merge so insensibly into each other that it is impossible to separate them into distinct species. The Slow-Loris, though occurring on the north-eastern frontier of India, has not yet been discovered in the Himalayas.
Habits.—Like the Slender Loris, the Slow-Loris is arboreal and nocturnal, hardly differing in its food and general habits from the latter. It lives alone or in pairs, and moves about very slowly, with its head curiously drawn up close to its body, with the latter arched and its limbs very angularly disposed. Colonel Tickell has observed it, however, to raise itself on its hind-legs and throw itself upon an insect. It is generally silent, but can utter a low growl when angry. In captivity it becomes docile, but is never very long-lived. Tickell records that "it never by choice leaves the trees.... It climbs readily and grasps with great tenacity. If placed on the ground, it proceeds, if frightened, in a wavering kind of trot, the limbs placed at right angles. It sleeps rolled up in a ball, its head and hands buried between its thighs, and wakes up in the dusk of the evening to commence its nocturnal rambles." Another observer records: "When he climbs he first lays hold of the branch with one of his hands and then with the other. When he has obtained a firm hold with both hands, he moves one of his hind-paws, and after firmly grasping the branch with it, he moves the other. He never quits his hold with his hind-paws until he has obtained a secure grasp with his hands." The remarkable tenacity of grasp in its feet is largely due to theautomatic action of the flexor muscles of the toes (the digits continuing flexed even after death), and the mere extension of the leg largely contributes to the "effortless suspension of the body" (Murie), as in the Fruit-Bats and other species which hang passively by their hind-limbs. (Huxley.)
Dr. Coghlan, speaking of the Chinese race (N. cinereus), says: "They make a curious chattering noise when angry, and when pleased at night they utter a short though tuneful whistle of one unvaried note; this whistle is thought by Chinese sailors, who take them to sea, to denote the coming of wind.... Their intelligence seems to be much below that of the Monkey.... The Slow-Loris, when newly-born, is about four inches long, and covered with fur; it holds on by its four hands to the mother's fur, and in that attitude sucks the milk from its parent's breast."
THE GALAGOS. SUB-FAMILY II. GALAGINÆ.
The Lemurs comprised in the present Sub-family are divisible into two groups—those inhabiting the mainland of Africa and those confined to the island of Madagascar. The exclusively African species, the True Galagos, constitute the single genusGalago; while the Malagasy group is represented by three genera, the so-called Fat-tailed Lemurs (Opolemur), the Dwarf-Lemurs (Microcebus), and the Mouse-Lemurs (Chirogale). The members of this Sub-family vary considerably in size, and are all covered with soft woolly fur. Their ears especially are largely developed, being more or less membranaceous and naked, and their sense of hearing very acute. The eyes are large and the tail always elongated. In the skull the length of the muzzle is less that the greatest longitudinal diameter of the orbit (except in the genusGalago).Their teeth number 36—18 above and 18 below—as in the bulk of theLemuridæ; the upper molars present on their crown an oblique ridge from the outer hind cusp to the inner front cusp. The ankle region (tarsus) of the hind-limb is much elongated, through the lengthening of two of its bones (thecalcaneumandnaviculare): this feature occurring to a greater extent among the African than among the Malagasy species. The mammæ are four in number, two on the breast and two on the abdomen.
Many of the species hibernate during the dry winter season, and to enable them to survive, they accumulate during the summer months a thick deposit of fat over their bodies, more especially at the root of the tail, a fact first conspicuously observed in the Opolemurids. This fat is absorbed for their sustenance during their prolonged torpidity.
THE AFRICAN GALAGOS. GENUS GALAGO.
Galago, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl., Ann. 2, i., p. 49 (1796).
Galago, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl., Ann. 2, i., p. 49 (1796).
The African Galagos are generally larger in size than the Madagascar members of the group, and have the snout produced beyond the lower jaw. Their ears are large, membranaceous, and have a very mobile contractile hinder edge, the animal having the power of folding them up at will. The eyes are also large and approximated; the fingers and toes very long and slender, and the tail thick and bushy.
The skull presents a high, broad, and round brain-case, with a relatively short facial region. The pre-maxillary bones are very much reduced, so that the muzzle, measured from the anterior margin of the orbit forward, is shorter than the longitudinal diameter of the orbits. The bony palate is also relatively short. Compared with those of the Madagascar generathe orbits are, according to Dr. Forsyth Major, much broader vertically and horizontally in the genusGalago. The squamosal region of the skull and the outer portion of the ear-capsules (the periotic) are large and inflated. The mandible (or lower jaw) has its lower hind edge, or angle, produced backward.
The dentition of the Galagos presents several important characters. In respect to their upper teeth, the incisors are small, equal, and have a hind cusp on the cingulum. A distinct gap exists between the canine and the pre-molar teeth. Of the pre-molars, the anterior one is canine-like, and is equally distant from the canine and its own next neighbour. To the outside it has one main cusp, and generally one minute supplementary cusp on each side. The median pre-molar shows three cusps, and one strong inner front cusp. The posterior pre-molar is always molar-like. It has one front supplementary and two main cusps to the outside; and one front and one supplementary hind cusp to the inside: it has also on the crown the oblique ridge spoken of above.
The molars have a deep concavity on their hind border, due to the development of the cingulum on the inner half only of that border of the tooth; to the outside they present two main cusps (and often supplementary minute fore and hind cusps); while to the inside they present two cusps, and also an intermediate cusp in front between the two fore cusps; the oblique ridge is also here present; the hindmost molar is three-cusped. The five hind molars are, therefore, nearly equal in size. In the lower jaw the pre-molars are complicated. The anterior and median are canine-like and procumbent, with a cusped heel behind; the posterior is distinguished from a molar only by the lesser size of its fore-part. The molars are also complicated; the anterior and median are equal in sizeand four-cusped—the two front cusps (united by a ridge) are taller than the two hind ones, and there is a minute cusp between the two hind cusps. The posterior molar, though smaller than the others, is five-cusped. The oblique ridge is not present in the lower molars.
The brain of the Galagos is narrower and shallower than that in theLemurinæ.
The female gives birth to two or three young at a time.
According to Dr. Forsyth Major, who has made the Lemuroidea a special study, the smaller African Galagos have departed less from the primitive Lemuroid type than the Madagascar genera, in which greater specialisation has taken place.
The members of the genusGalagoare widely distributed on the African continent, but are unknown in Madagascar. They range throughout the dense forest regions, from Abyssinia in the north-east, to Senegambia in the west, and southward as far as Natal and Mozambique.
Almost all the Galagos are nocturnal. They are chiefly arboreal, and when they descend to the ground they advance by hops on their long hind-limbs. They feed chiefly on fruits, insects, birds, and birds' eggs.
I. GARNETT'S GALAGO. GALAGO GARNETTI.
Otolicnus garnettii, Ogilby, P. Z. S., 1838, p. 6.Otolemur agisymbianus, Coquerel, Rev. et Mag. de Zool., 1859, p. 457.Otogale garnettii, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 140.Galago garnettii, Sclater, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 711, pl. xi. Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 429 (1876).
Otolicnus garnettii, Ogilby, P. Z. S., 1838, p. 6.
Otolemur agisymbianus, Coquerel, Rev. et Mag. de Zool., 1859, p. 457.
Otogale garnettii, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 140.
Galago garnettii, Sclater, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 711, pl. xi. Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 429 (1876).
Characters.—Head round; snout elongate, protruding overthe lower jaw; ears very long, wide and rounded; eyes large and approximated. Toes and fingers not united by a membrane. Posterior upper molar with its fourth cusp little developed; the posterior lower molar four-cusped.
Fur woolly, the basal part of the hair Mouse-grey, the tips dull yellowish-white. Ears greyish-black; face from the middle of crown along the nose and round the eyes greyish-white. Top of head and neck dark pepper-grey; rest of upper side yellowish-grey, with longer black hairs distributed over the body; outside of arms and legs washed faintly with faded rufous. Under side and inner side of arms and legs greyish-white. Tail brownish-red at base, darker at tip. Length, 8 inches; tail, 8¾ inches.
Distribution.—East coast of Africa.
Habits.—Garnett's Galago is essentially nocturnal in its habits, feeding on fruits. According to Mr. Bartlett, it exhibited in confinement no fear of Cats or Dogs, and was very sprightly and tricky. It kills all it can pounce upon and overpower. On the ground it jumps upright, like a Kangaroo, on its hind-limbs, without using its fore feet, covering several feet at a spring.
II. THE SENEGAL GALAGO. GALAGO SENEGALENSIS.
Galago du Sénégal, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl. Ann. 4e, p. 1 (1796).Galago senegalensis, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 166 (1812); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 81 (1851); Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 329 (1876).Galagoides senegalensis, Smith, S. Afr. Q. Journ., ii., pt. 1, p. 32 (1833).Galago moholi, Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Mamm., pls. 8, 8bis(1839); Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 147.Otolicnus galago, Wagner in Schreber's Säug. Suppl., i., p. 292 (1840); Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 41 (1844).Otolicnus senegalensis, Peters, Reis Mozamb. Säug., p. 11 (1852).Galago senaariensis, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 147, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.Galago (Otolicnus) moholi, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.
Galago du Sénégal, Geoffr., Mag. Encycl. Ann. 4e, p. 1 (1796).
Galago senegalensis, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 166 (1812); Is. Geoffr., Cat. Méth. Primates, p. 81 (1851); Schlegel, Mus. Pays Bas, vii., p. 329 (1876).
Galagoides senegalensis, Smith, S. Afr. Q. Journ., ii., pt. 1, p. 32 (1833).
Galago moholi, Smith, Ill. Zool. S. Afr. Mamm., pls. 8, 8bis(1839); Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 147.
Otolicnus galago, Wagner in Schreber's Säug. Suppl., i., p. 292 (1840); Van der Hoeven, Tijdschr. Nat. Ges., xi., p. 41 (1844).
Otolicnus senegalensis, Peters, Reis Mozamb. Säug., p. 11 (1852).
Galago senaariensis, J. E. Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 147, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.
Galago (Otolicnus) moholi, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.
Characters.—Body slender; head broad and sub-globular; nose high and pointed; ears large, bare, and with narrow rounded tips; hind-limbs longer than the fore-; tail with longer hair at tip. Fur very thick and soft on body and tail. Upper side pinkish-grey, or faded white with a slight wash of pink; back, sides of body, and outer surface of limbs pearly to yellowish-white; sometimes a dark ring round the eyes; a streak down the nose white or yellowish-white; ears flesh-coloured, sprinkled with pure white down; head, face, whole of under sides and inner sides of limbs white, yellowish, or whitish-buff; tail yellowish or reddish brown, darker at tip, lighter beneath; upper surface of hands and feet white, washed with yellow. Length of body, 7-8½ inches; tail of about the same length. The male and female are of the same size and of the same colour, but the male is somewhat more washed with yellow. Muzzle shorter than the diameter of the eye-socket; the bony palate not extending past the hinder end of the median molar. Anterior and median upper molars slightly larger than the posterior pre-molar; the latter as well as the two anterior molars with a small cusp between the two front cusps.
Distribution.—This beautiful little Lemur was first recorded from Senegal, in West Africa. It occurs, however, from about 25° S. lat. in South Africa northwards to Tete on the Zambesi, through the mountainous regions of East Africa, on the shores of Lake Nyasa, to as far north as Senaar.
PLATE IV.
Plate IV.ALLEN'S GALAGO.
ALLEN'S GALAGO.
ALLEN'S GALAGO.
Habits.—The Senegal Galago is nocturnal and arboreal, occurring in the forests singly or in pairs. It makes a nest of leaves in the fork of a tree, and during its diurnal rest it either retreats thither, or composes itself on a branch, unwilling to move, and staring at passers-by, with its tail invariably folded across its body and round its neck. After sunset, these Galagos become lively, and in their movements they evince great activity; they spring from branch to branch, and even from tree to tree, with extraordinary facility (as both Sir Andrew Smith and Sir John Kirk have recorded), often clearing at single leaps distances of six feet. When seen in the dim light they may easily be taken for Bats. "They always seize with one of their fore feet the branch upon which they intend to rest. In their manners they manifest considerable resemblance to Monkeys, particularly in their propensity to the practice of ridiculous grimaces." (Sir A. Smith.) In this habit they resemble also some species of the genus Lemur. Their food consists chiefly of fruits and of insects. The female produces generally two young at a birth.
III. ALLEN'S GALAGO. GALAGO ALLENI.
Galago allenii, Waterh., P. Z. S., 1837, p. 87; Sclater, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 375, pl. xxxii.Galago allenii, var.gabonensis, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 146.Galago gabonensis, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 630.Galago (Otolicnus) allenii, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.Otogale pallida, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 140, pl. xix.Otolicnus apicalis, du Chaillu, Equat. Africa, App., p. 471.Galago elegantulus, Slack, Proc. Ac. Sc. Phil., 1861, p. 153.(Plate IV.)
Galago allenii, Waterh., P. Z. S., 1837, p. 87; Sclater, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 375, pl. xxxii.
Galago allenii, var.gabonensis, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 146.
Galago gabonensis, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 630.
Galago (Otolicnus) allenii, Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 647.
Otogale pallida, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 140, pl. xix.
Otolicnus apicalis, du Chaillu, Equat. Africa, App., p. 471.
Galago elegantulus, Slack, Proc. Ac. Sc. Phil., 1861, p. 153.
(Plate IV.)
Characters.—Head round; muzzle pointed; eyes very large; ears also very large, long, nude, and membranaceous; fingers and toes very long, slender, and fine. Tail thick, round, and longer than the body; ankle-bones elongated. Length of body, 8¼ inches; tail, 10 inches. Head brownish-grey; a narrow black ring round the eyes; a streak from the forehead down the nose whitish; back greyish-brown, washed (sometimes markedly) with rufous on the upper back, fading out towards the root of the tail; the latter black or greyish-black. Outside of arms and legs washed with rufous, sometimes with a white spot on the shoulder-joint and over the groin; posterior aspect of legs sooty-black; cheeks, sides of nose, entire under surface, and inner side of limbs creamy-white with a rufous-washed bar across the chest. Muzzle shorter than the diameter of eye-socket. Incisors seen from the side, more or less hidden by the canines; anterior upper pre-molar very canine-like, relatively much produced longitudinally, with an interval between the anterior and median pre-molars; posterior upper pre-molar four-cusped, and with an intermediate cusp on the oblique ridge; posterior upper molar almost equal in size to the median one.
Distribution.—This species has been recorded from the Gaboon, in West Africa, and from Fernando Po, whence it was first obtained by Captain Allen, R.N., in 1837.
Habits.—Although little or nothing has been recorded of its habits, it is unlikely that they differ much from those of the species already known.
IV. DEMIDOFF'S GALAGO. GALAGO DEMIDOFFI.
Galago demidoffi, Fischer, Act. Soc. des Nat. Mosc., i., p. 24, f. 1 (1806); Peters, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 380, pl. xxxv.; Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 648.Otolicnus peli, Temm., Esquis. Zool. Mamm., p. 42 (1853).Otolicnus demidoffi, Wagner in Schreb., Säugeth. Suppl., v., p. 160 (1855).Hemigalago demidoffi, Dahlb., Stud. Zool., p. 230 (1856).Galago murinus, Murray, Edinb. Phil. Journ. (n.s.), x., pp. 243-251, pl. 11 (1859).
Galago demidoffi, Fischer, Act. Soc. des Nat. Mosc., i., p. 24, f. 1 (1806); Peters, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 380, pl. xxxv.; Mivart, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 648.
Otolicnus peli, Temm., Esquis. Zool. Mamm., p. 42 (1853).
Otolicnus demidoffi, Wagner in Schreb., Säugeth. Suppl., v., p. 160 (1855).
Hemigalago demidoffi, Dahlb., Stud. Zool., p. 230 (1856).
Galago murinus, Murray, Edinb. Phil. Journ. (n.s.), x., pp. 243-251, pl. 11 (1859).
Characters.—Head round; body short and thick; snout very narrow; long bristles on the face, corners of the eyes, and sides of the nose; ears long, oval, membranaceous, transparent, the inner margin haired; eyes large and projecting; nose elongated in front, and projecting above the upper lip; fingers slender; wrist, ankle, hands and feet short-haired; digits naked; tail longer than body, round and slender. Length, 5 inches; tail, 8 inches.
Basal part of hair Mouse-grey. Upper side reddish-brown, more rufous down the back, and on the tail, except its distal half, which is darker. Top of head and sides of face darker; a narrow white streak from the brow down the nose; ring round the eyes dark, wider on the inner side; chin, throat, inner side of limbs, and under surface of body creamy-white. In the young, which remains blind for several days after birth, the white nose-streak is less defined, and the fur is shorter and lighter than that of the parents.
Orbits approximating; front bones of jaw (the pre-maxillæ) projecting beyond the incisors; upper median pre-molar teeth with enlarged heel, and with one or two diminutive cusps; upper molars with a small cusp on the oblique ridge; wrist-bones elongated.
Distribution.—Demidoff's Galago occurs in Senegal, in West Africa, and has been obtained in Central Africa in theNiam-Niam country by Dr. Schweinfurth, and in the Monbuttu country by the late Emin Pasha.
Habits.—Writing of Demidoff's Galago in a letter from Africa addressed to Mr. A. Murray, Mr. Thomson says: "It was a most interesting and amusing pet, not only quite tame, but manifesting strong attachment. It was a very epitome of zoology, of the size and colour of a large Rat; it had the tail of a Squirrel, the facial outline of the Fox, the membranous ears of the Bat, the eyes and somewhat of the manners of the Owl in its cool odd way of peering at objects, the long slender fingers of a lean old man who habitually eats down his nails, and all the mirthfulness and agility of a diminutive Monkey. It hated its cage at night, but delighted to leap among the bars of the chairs ranged purposely round the table for it. It could clear a horizontal distance of at least six feet at a bound.... It possessed a curious power of folding its membranous ears back upon themselves and somewhat corrugating them at pleasure; and it appeared to me that the palms of its hands and feet were endowed in some degree with the power of suction.... I have seen it maintain itself in positions where the mere lateral pressure of its limbs appeared to be inadequate for the purpose.... I never saw it muster courage enough to attack either a Grasshopper or a Mantis."...
V. MONTEIRO'S GALAGO. GALAGO MONTEIRI.
Galago monteiri, Bartlett, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 231, pl. xxviii.Callotus monteiri, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 145.
Galago monteiri, Bartlett, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 231, pl. xxviii.
Callotus monteiri, Gray, P. Z. S., 1863, p. 145.
Characters.—Fur Mouse-grey at base, with white tips; pupils of eyes oval and vertical; ears very large and naked; hairs on face and cheeks short; feet broad, short, and strong; toesbroad, with rounded discs; thumb very broad; tail very long. Entirely pale grey over the head, face, cheeks, body, and tail; throat nearly white; hands and feet dark brown, nearly black; nose black; ears nearly black. One of the largest species of the Sub-family. Length, 12 inches; tail, 16 inches long.
Distribution.—This species was discovered by Mr. Monteiro in Cuio Bay on the West Coast of Africa, to the south of Loanda; and the late Captain Cameron, R.N., brought a few specimens home with him from Bailunda, on his return from his celebrated march across the Continent.
Habits.—Little is known of this species from observation in the field. A few specimens have reached Europe, and on one that lived in the Zoological Gardens in London, Mr. Bartlett made the following observation: "The animal has the power of turning its ears back by the complex muscles of their external aspect, and folding them up when at rest. When moving about or in search of food they spread out and stand upward and forward, reminding one of those of the Aye-Aye; but when folded back and down, the animal's face bears a strong resemblance to the Douroucouli (Nyctipithecus)."
VI. THE GREAT GALAGO. GALAGO CRASSICAUDATA.
Galago crassicaudatus, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 166 (1812).Otolicnus crassicaudatus, Peters, Reis, Mossamb. Saügeth., t. 2, t. 4, figs. 1-5.Otogale crassicaudata, var. kirkii, Gray, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 456.? Galago lasiotis, Peters, S. B. Ges., Nat. Fr. Berl., 1892, p. 224.
Galago crassicaudatus, Geoffr., Ann. Mus., xix., p. 166 (1812).
Otolicnus crassicaudatus, Peters, Reis, Mossamb. Saügeth., t. 2, t. 4, figs. 1-5.
Otogale crassicaudata, var. kirkii, Gray, P. Z. S., 1864, p. 456.
? Galago lasiotis, Peters, S. B. Ges., Nat. Fr. Berl., 1892, p. 224.
Characters.—Hair long and woolly. Head round; muzzle more elongated than in other Galagos; nose-pad with a deepfurrow; eyes large; ears large, the upper half membranaceous and nude; tail long, thick and bushy; fourth digit of hand and foot longest; fingers and toes not united by a membrane, but with flat disc-like terminations.
Hair Mouse-grey at base, silver-grey at tips; the hair on the belly white tipped, sometimes entirely white; hairs on back longer and with black tips. General colour yellowish-brown, with a lighter band from the forehead along the centre of the nose and round the eye-circles, which are darker. Iris reddish-brown. Top of head rusty-brown; back grey; sides of body, cheeks, and outer side of limbs grey, faintly washed with rusty-red; whole under side grey or yellowish-white. Tail ferruginous; hands and feet deep rufous-brown; short hairs of digits blackish-brown. Length, 13 inches; tail, 16 inches. The female has the pelage similar to that of the male.
The coast form, which has been described as Kirk's Galago (G. kirkii), is only a variety of the present species. In it the fur is pale ashy-grey; the hairs at the base Mouse-grey, tipped with grey, with longer black hairs distributed over the body; cheeks, inner sides of limbs, and under side greyish-white; face, crown, and nape washed with reddish-brown, which extends on the outer side of the limbs; lower back more lightly washed; tail, dirty grey.
Distribution.—The Great Galago is found on the south-east coast of Africa to 24° S lat., and extends into the interior for about 140 miles from Quilimane. Kirk's Galago (G. crassicaudata, var.kirkii) is confined to the maritime regions and mangrove forests of the east coast. Sir John Kirk states that it has been observed at the Luabo mouth of the Zambesi, at Quilimane, and at Mozambique. It has also been procured at Taveita.