Sl\MMAl{V. 53 



of the teeth, the devehipment of the snout, the ankylosis of til)i;i and fibula 

 (at least in S. paradoxus). On the other hand Solcnodon possesses many 

 generalized characters in coniuKin with Centetes, Potamogalc, Gymnura, and 

 even Myogale, the two latter of which are the most generalized members of 

 their respective families. Leche ( :07) is doubtless correct in making Potamogale 

 the rei)resentative of a subfamily (Potamogalinae) of Centetidae, since tlie loss 

 of clavicles and certain other peculiarities usually emphasized as distinctive, are 

 probably the result of adaptation to an aquatic existence, while the general 

 simi)licity of structure and the common anal and genital opening certainly ally it 

 closely to the Centetinae. On the other hand, Potamogale bears considerable 

 superficial resemblance to Solenodon and M\'ogale in the form of the skull and 

 teeth, and it seems probable that all three represent divergent lines of descent 

 from some common stock. 



