tWdj^ 



84 INSECTIVORA 



The brain-case is excessively flattened, relatively more so than in 

 Crocidura mimula, so that there is less contrast between its depth 

 and that of rostrum. This flattening is not accompanied by any 

 increase in breadth of brain-case, the ratio of 

 ^^^T^ which to condylobasal length is about 46, 



slightly less than in Crocidura mimula. Ante- 

 orbital foramen relatively large, its position 

 normal. Lachrymal foramen over posterior 

 half of m^. Palate relatively short and wide. 

 Mesopterygoid space relativel}^ longer than in 

 the European forms of Crocidura, its anterior 

 border on line with posterior edge of third 

 Fig. 16. molar instead of distinctly behind it, its lateral 



Nat. size. borders nearly parallel, though slightly con- 



verging posteriorly ; hamular excessively deli- 

 cate, bowed outward and upward, its length relatively greater 

 than in C. russiila, and about equal to greatest breadth of fossa. 

 Mandible not pecuKar except for its small size (length about 

 7 mm. or less), and very delicate structure. 



Teeth. — While in general, and aside from the presence of 

 the fourth unicuspid, the teeth do not differ materially from 

 those of the smaller European Crocidurse except in size, they 

 show several peculiarities in form. The anterior upper incisor 

 projects more strongly forward, and has the anterior cusp rather 

 shorter than in the species of Crocidurn, while the posterior cup 

 is more distinctly separated from the cingulum, these two 

 characters together imparting to the tooth a form somewhat 

 suggesting that assumed in Sorex. First unicuspid relatively 

 larger and higher than in Crocidura russula, its cingulum less 

 curved, and its width distinctly exceeding that of palate instead 

 of barely equalling it. Contrast in both height and crown area 

 of first and second unicuspids greater than in C. russula, the 

 area of second about one-third that of first instead of evidently 

 more than one-third. Third unicuspid slightly larger than second. 

 Fourth about half as large as third, crowded inward from the 

 tooth-row, but visible from the outside through space separating 

 third unicuspid from large premolar, the width of this space 

 rather more than half diameter of crown of fourth unicuspid. 

 Large premolar as in C. leucodon, except that cutting blade is 

 shorter and even higher, and posterior border of crown is less 

 concave. Upper molars with hypocones less distinct than in 

 C. russula, but otherwise not showing any tangible peculiarities. 

 Mandibular teeth essentially as in Crocidura russula and C. leu- 

 codon, but posterior section of third molar even more reduced. 



Measurements. — Average and extremes of six specimens from 

 Florence, Italy : head and body, 38 • 5 (36-42) ; tail, 27 • 1 

 (26-28) ; hind foot, 7-7 (7 • 6-7 • 8). Adult male and female 

 from near Turin, Italy : head and body, 42 and 40; tail, 28 and 

 27 ; hind foot, 7 • 8 and 7 • 4. Adult male and female from near 



