234 MEGALv/TTS. 



if we compare it with the same forms in bats, 

 w^hose exquisite hearing, and singular power ot 

 diversified perceptions, are known to belong to 

 their enlarged and complicated ears, we may fairly 

 presume the Megalotes likewise. enjoy distinct facul- 

 ties and increased sensibilities by means of these 

 organs. For this purpose, also, they have the 

 cerebral chamber very considerably larger than 

 those of canines of equal proportion ; the auditory 

 apparatus immensely developed; the skulls are 

 destitute of the central ridge where the temporal 

 muscles are inserted ; and the jaws have no great 

 powers of action. Beside the diurnal eyes, the 

 great expanded ears, and the spot on the tail, this 

 group is further distinguished by the soles of the 

 feet being covered with hair ; a provision the more 

 remarkable, because all the known species of this 

 group belong to tropical latitudes. Their teeth, 

 though the same in number with the rest of the 

 canidse, indicate, that beside fruit, honey, and birds'- 

 eggs, they are prone to feed on insects ; this pro- 

 pensity is perhaps facilitated by their hairy feet 

 making no noise, and causing no concussion of the 

 earth while in pursuit of their prey. They burrow- 

 in the sandy deserts of Africa, and about the roots 

 of date palms. 



In this group we do not however admit Megalotls 

 Lalandii or Canis megalotU; but, on account of 

 the singular dentition, refer it to a distinct sub- 

 genus, which, in the natural order, seems best 

 placed after Vulpes^ and before Lycaon, 



