Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/285

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PHALANGERS.
275

account of the pleasing details which Mr. Bell has recorded of the manners of some individuals which he kept in confinement. In size, colour, and general form, it bears a considerable resemblance to the beautiful little rodent after which it is named; the form of the head, however, is different, the nose being much more lengthened and pointed.

"In their habits," observes Mr. Bell, "they are extremely like the dormouse, feeding on nuts

DORMOUSE PHALANGER.
DORMOUSE PHALANGER.

DORMOUSE PHALANGER.

and other similar food, which they hold in their fore-paws, using them as hands. They are nocturnal, remaining asleep during the whole day, or, if disturbed, not easily roused to a state of activity; and coming forth late in the evening, and