362 



THE TAN RE C. 



its abdomen so close to the ground, as is the case with the preceding animal. The muzzle of 

 the Tanrec, or Tenrec, as the name is sometimes written, is extremely elongated, rather sharply 

 pointed, and brown in color ; the ears are small and rounded, and the tail is absent, a pecu- 

 liarity which has earned for the animal its specific title of ecauddtus, or tailless. The generic 

 name, Centetes, or more correctly J^entetes, is of Greek origin, and signifies " thorny," in 

 allusion to the short and thorn -like spines with which the body is covered. 



The color of the Tanrec is rather variable at different times, on account of the variegated 

 tints which bedeck the array of quills that adorn and defend its back. These quills are black 

 towards their tips, and yellowish towards their bases, so that either tint predominates, accord- 

 ing to the arrangement of the quills. In length they are inferior to those of the Hedgehog, the 



TANREC. Centetes ecaudatus. 



largest not exceeding an inch. The throat, abdomen, and inside faces of the limbs are covered 

 with rather coarse yellowish hairs, and the sides and flanks are decorated with long silken 

 hairs of the same color as the spines. 



Like the Hedgehog, the Tanrec is a hibernating animal, sleeping for at least three months 

 of the year, secure in the burrow which it has excavated by means of the powerful and crooked 

 claws which are attached to its feet. 



Some writers assert that its period of torpidity is during the heat of summer, while others, 

 who have had practical knowledge of the animal and its habits, say that its periodic somnolence 

 takes place during the cold and wintry months. These contradictory accounts can be recon- 

 ciled by the fact, that the Mauritian winter is from June to November, and that the months 

 which in that island are reckoned as summer months, are winter months with ourselves. 



It is not very commonly seen, even in the localities which it most frequents, as it is a 

 nocturnal animal, and, except when under the protection of the shades of night, very seldom 

 leaves the burrow in which it has taken up its residence. The locality which it chooses for its 

 subterranean residence is generally well chosen for the purpose of security, being usually 

 among the old roots of clumps of bamboos, which defend and conceal the entrance, and offer 

 an almost insurmountable obstacle to any foe that might desire to dig the animal out of its den. 



The natural food of the Tanrec consists of worms, insects, snails, reptiles, and various 

 similar substances, but the creature will condescend to feed for a time on more sophisticated 

 dainties, such as. boiled rice. It is supposed that an unmixed vegetable diet would be very 

 hurtful to the animal's well-being. 



Possessed of a most overpowering and unpleasant smell of musk, the Tanrec is not an 



