348 



THE INSECTIVORES 



They have a total of forty teeth, corresponding serially with those of the long- 

 tailed tenrecs ; and they are distinguished from the Centetidee by the circumstance 

 that the skull is somewhat narrowed between the eyes, and also by the mammae 

 being entirely confined to the region of the groin, instead of extending on to the 

 breast, as in all other members of the order. The snout is long, cylindrical, and 

 trunk like, with the nostrils situated on each side of its extremity ; the tail naked, 

 cylindrical, and of considerable length ; and the toes, especially those of the fore- 

 feet, are armed with powerful curved claws. The fur covering the body is long and 

 coarse. The Haytian solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus) is restricted to the island 

 of Hayti, and was the first known of the two species. It may be compared 

 in size to a small rabbit, the head and body measuring about twelve inches, and 

 the tail about eight. The head and upper parts are brown, becoming blackish 



THE CUBAN SOI.ENODON. 



( One-fourth natural size. ) 



behind and on the thighs ; while the sides of the head and under parts are lighter 

 in color. 



The Cuban solenodon (S. cubanus), is distinguished by the whole of the head, 

 neck, and chest being tawny, or yellowish, while the remainder of the upper part 

 and sides of the body is dark blackish brown. The nature of the fur is also some- 

 what different from that of S. paradoxus. It is found in the mountains of the 

 southern and western portions of the island from which it takes its name, and it 

 issues forth from its diurnal resting place during the late afternoon and early 

 evening, to spend the night in search of food. From the readiness with which, 

 when in captivity, it will tear in pieces meat that is offered to it, it may be inferred 

 that in the wild state its food is not restricted to insects. 



