Peers 7 
XLII. Note on the Genus Condylura of Illiger. By J. D. 
Gopman, M.D.* 
S several very interesting external characters peculiar to 
the Condylura cristata have been entirely overlooked by 
those who have heretofore written on this subject, the object 
of this Note is to supply the deficiency as far as possible, es- 
pecially as these characters may be very serviceable in enabling 
us to compare the present genus with some others. 
The Condylura cristata is destitute of an auricle projecting 
above the level of the skin, but is, nevertheless, provided with 
an extremely large external ear, as we may properly consider 
all that part which is entirely exterior to the tympanum and 
skull. The meatus externus is half an inch long, having a 
distinctly marked tragus and anti-tragus, and is situated at a 
short distance from the shoulder, in the broad triangular fold 
of integument connecting the fore-arm and head, and may be 
very easily missed by those who merely examine stuffed skins, 
or specimens preserved in spirits. From the meatus, the 
course of the cartilaginous tube is obliquely downwards, for- 
wards, and inwards, until it terminates in a delicate bony tube, 
previous to reaching the tympanum, which is large and com- 
posed of a very delicate membrane. 
The scales on the anterior and posterior extremities have 
been mentioned in general terms by several writers, especially 
by Desmarest, who has given the best description of the ani- 
mal that has yet appeared. But these scales are so peculiar 
and uniform in their position, that I cannot understand how 
a naturalist could pass over the particulars of their arrange- 
ment in silence. 
On the anterior extremities the superior or ulnar edge of 
the hand has on its anterior surface, (regarding the position 
of the animal, ) a row of corneous scales, about nine in number, 
which are broadest midway from the carpus to the first pha- 
lanx of the fifth finger. Another row of scales commences on 
the inferior part of the back of the little finger, becoming 
broader and of a semilunar figure as they extend towards the 
metacarpus, between these two a much smaller row is placed. 
The fourth finger has a single row of small scales on its upper 
posterior side, and a large one extending along the back of 
the finger to the metacarpus; the middle finger has a small 
central row, which is distinguishable ; that on the fore finger 
is still more faint ; the thumb has none but very small ones on 
its central posterior part, but on its inferior posterior part, or 
* From Journal of Acad. of Nat. Sciences of Philadelphia, vol. v. p. 109. 
Vol. 67. No. 336. April 1826. 2M radial 
