42 FAUNA AMERICANA. 



triangular, Avitli the summit exterior and directed 

 transversely. 



The two first inferior molars like canine, but 

 smaller; the third cutting, pointed, triangular, 

 with a small spur posteriorly; the three last larger, 

 particularly the penultimate ; all composed of an 

 external cutting border, divided into three sharp 

 tubercles, and a double spur, for the two first; 

 one for the posterior. 



Head elongated ; eyes very small ; no external 

 ears. 



Extremities short, five-toed, anterior strong- 

 er than the posterior, terminated b}' very broad 

 hands, having the hand always turned outward 

 and backward ; the internal border cutting, and 

 the fingers united to the base of the nails, which 

 are slightly arched, long, strong, and cutting ; hind 

 feet more slender ; toes more feeble, more distinct 

 or separate, and furnished with moderate sized 

 nails. 



Tail short, sparsely hairy. 



Six abdominal mammae. 



Body covered with short, fme, very soft hair, 

 perpendicular to the body. 



(For the anatomy, see the Diet, d'hist. Nat. 

 art. Taupe.) 



Habit. Animals eminently organized for bur- 

 rowing ; feeding on insects, larvie, earth worms, 

 tender roots, &c. having the organs of hearing 

 and of touch very perfect. 



