98 



SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



are comprehended several species of mole-like Rodents 

 peculiar to Africa, the whole form and organization of 

 which fit them for an underground existence. The most 

 remarkable is the coast rat, or sand-mole of the downs. 

 This species is a native of Southern Africa, frequenting 

 sandy tracts along the coast. On the surface of the 

 ground it proceeds slowly, but it burrows with great ra- 

 pidity, and works out long galleries, throwing up hillocks 

 as does the mole. In some districts these are extremely 

 numerous, rendering it dangerous to pass over them on 

 horseback, and not pleasant even on foot, the earth, 

 where excavated, suddenly giving way. This animal is 

 about a foot in length, exclusive of the tail, which is 



69. —Coast Rat. 



about three inches. (Fig. 59.) The incisors are of 

 enormous size, and those above have a deep longitudinal 

 furrow down the front ; and a hairy palate extends be- 

 hind them. The general colour is grayish ash. 



The Rabbit Cercomys. 



This animal, which in shape resembles a rat, represents 

 the genus Cercomys, closely allied to that of Echymys, 



