CHAP. XVII.] 



MAMMALIA. 



18S 



being now separated from each other by an extensive continent, 

 as well as by a deep ocean. 



Extinct Species. — Eemains found in the Lower Miocene of the 

 South of France are believed to belong to the genus EcJiinops, 

 or one closely allied to it. 



Family 19.— POTAMOGALID^. (1 Genus, 1 Species,) 



The genus Potamogale was founded on a curious, small, otter- 

 like animal from West Africa, first found by M. Du Chaillu at 

 the Gaboon, and afterwards by the Portuguese at Angola. Its 

 affinities are with several groups of Insectivora, but it is 

 sufficiently peculiar to require the establishment of a distinct 

 family for its reception. (Plate V., vol. i., p. 264.) 



Family 20.— CHRYSOCHLOPJD^. (2 Genera, 3 Species.) 



General Distribution. 



Neotropical 

 Sob-regions. 



Neakctic 

 Sub-regions. 



Pal^arctic 

 Sub-kegions. 



Ethiopian 

 Sub-regions. 



Oriental 



Sub-regions. 



Australian 

 Sub-regions;. 



The Chrysochloridse, or golden moles, of the Cape of Good 

 Hope have been separated by Professor Mivart into two genera, 

 Chrysochloris and CJialcochloris. They are remarkable mole-like 

 animals, having beautiful silky fur, with a metallic lustre and 

 changeable golden tints. They are peculiar to the Cape district, 

 but one species extends as far north as the Mozambique territory. 

 Their dentition is altogether peculiar, so as to completely separate 

 them from the true moles. 



