360 JAMES ROLLIN SLONAKER 
To give a better idea of the comparative diameter of the body 
in the pectoral and pelvic regions, the following measurements 
of the skeleton are given. Width from the outer margin of one 
humerus to a similar point on the other 32 mm. Width from 
outer surface of the head of the femur to a similar point on oppo- 
site side 18 mm. This constitutes the greatest width of the 
skeleton in the region of the pelvis. Width from tip to tip of the 
elaws of the hands about 72 mm. Outside measurement from 
presternum to top of skull 33 mm. Dimensions at greatest ex- 
pansion of ribs (about the tenth rib) width 34 mm.; dorsoventral 
diameter 22 mm. By comparing these figures it is readily seen 
that the pelvis is only one-fourth of the greatest width in the 
pectoral region. 
The greatest variation found in the pelvis in the different 
genera of the Talpidae is in the region of the pubic symphysis, 
which varies from a well-formed symphysis to a relatively wide 
gap between the pubic bones. 
In Sealops the pubes form a symphysis which extends for 
a distance of 3.8 mm. parallel with the sacrum. In Scapanus 
Jackson (713) says, ‘‘bones of opposite side scarcely touching 
under acetabula.”’ In the specimen of Scapanus examined [| 
find that the pubes meet for a distance of 0.6 mm. This union 
is due to slight projections on the medial side of the pubes and 
occupies a position similar to the anterior margin of the symphysis 
in Sealops. It also lies in the vertical plane passing through the 
anterior margins of the acetabula. 
In Parasealops and Condylura Jackson (’15) says that the 
bones of the opposite side do not touch under the acetabula and 
that in Neiirotrichus they are separated by a space of about 2 
mm. ‘True (’97) also makes a similar statement regarding these 
genera. The European mole, Talpa europaea, has been most 
widely studied. All investigators agree that in this species there 
is a rather wide gap between the pubic bones. In fact, this 
knowledge is so common that the mole in general is spoken of as 
having no pubic symphysis. This is exemplified by Leche (’80) 
who proposed to classify the Insectivora into three groups as 
follows: a. with long pubie symphysis; b. with short pubic 
