320 



THE INSECTIVORES 





istic of this species is, however, the presence of only four toes to the hind feet, 

 the small inner toes found in the other species having disappeared. It is likewise 

 peculiar in having but forty teeth, owing to the loss of the last molar on either side 

 of the lower jaw. 



More remarkable than any of the above are the long-nosed jumping 

 Long-Nosed s hrews, of which there are four species from Zanzibar and the adjacent 



Jumping iong O f the g ast Coast of Africa. These collectively constitute the 



Shrew 



genus Rhynchocyon, distinguished from the preceding group by having 



only thirty-six teeth, and but four toes on both fore and hind feet. Further, the 

 hind limbs are relatively shorter than in the typical jumping shrews, while the muzzle 

 is so much produced as to form a veritable trunk. The reduction in the num- 

 ber of the teeth is due to the 

 disappearance of two out of the 

 three pairs of incisors in the upper 

 jaw ; and in very aged individuals 

 even the single remaining pair may 

 be shed, thus leaving the creature 

 without any upper front teeth. 

 The length of the head and body 

 of the best-known species is about 

 eight inches ; and that of its long, 

 scaly, rat-like tail somewhat less. 

 Its general color is rusty brown, 

 becoming blacker on the top of the 

 head and along the back ; while 

 the flanks have some bright red- 

 dish spots just below the hinder 

 part of the back. 



From the reduc- 

 Habits ,. . ., , 



tion in the number 



of their teeth and toes, as well 

 as from the prolongation of the 

 muzzle, we may regard the long- 

 nosed jumping shrews as very spe- 

 cialized creatures. Unfortunately, we know little or nothing of their habits; but 

 from their relatively shorter hind legs it may be assumed that they are less habitual 

 leapers than the typical members of the family. Like many of the more aberrant 

 Insecti vores, the long-nosed jumping shrews appear to be very rare animals. 



ROCK-JUMPING SHREW. 



(One-half natural size.) 



(From a Plate by Peters.) 



THE HEDGEHOGS AND GYMNURAS 

 Family ERINACEID^ 



The hedgehogs and their near allies the gymnuras constitute a well-marked 

 family, distinguished by several important characteristics from the preceding groups. 



