192 THE SYRIAN HYRAX. 



while the wrist joint very closely resembles that 

 of the Tapirs. 



Our plate, which accompanies this, will give 

 an idea of the form of this curious and yet limited 

 genus. It is taken from the figure of F. Cuvier, 

 drawn from a living specimen, which appears to 

 have been obtained from the Exeter Change 

 collection. All the upper parts of the body are 

 of a brownish gray, the lower parts white ; 

 between the two colours the tint is yellowish, and 

 the head, as well as the feet, are of a grayer tint 

 than that of the body. The separate hairs are 

 ringed with yellowish, black, and white. The 

 exposed parts of the skin are blackish violet. 



The specimen alluded to had all the appearance 

 and somewhat of the habits of the Rodentia, 

 resembling the Sphermophili. It was about eleven 

 inches in length, and stood about ten inches high. 

 Its movements were quick and lively. It was very 

 active, searching around, guided by its scent, and 

 trying to get into narrow openings, or holes, where 

 it could lie concealed. It delights in heat, and 

 exposes alternately the different parts of its body 

 to the sun ; while, in cold weather, it rolls itself 

 up in its hay or litter. It was quite tame, but does 

 not like to be seized, though it never attempts to 

 bite, and only utters a slight hissing sound when 

 irritated. It is an animal entirely diurnal in its 

 habits, and completely herbivorous fed, when 



