SORICW^E 621 



in the variable size and position of the second upper premolar, 

 which is very small, external, and deciduous in the Indian 

 E. micropus and pictus. The former species, limited to South India, 

 is further distinguished by the absence of the jugal bone. Of the 

 African species, E. diadematus, with long frontal spines, is probably 

 the commonest ; while E. albiventris has been made the type of a 

 separate genus on account of the total absence of the hallux. 



The well-known European species feeds on insects, worms, slugs, 

 mice, rats, lizards, snakes, etc., as well as on eggs, fruit, and roots. 

 It hibernates during the winter. The young are usually produced 

 in July or August in litters of not more than four, but there may 

 be a second litter in October ; and the period of gestation is be- 

 lieved not to exceed a month. The Indian, and probably also the 

 African species, do not hibernate. 



The existing E. europceus dates from the Pleistocene period, and 

 extinct species of the genus are found in the Upper and Middle 

 Miocene of the Continent. 



Extinct Genera. The French Lower Miocene genus, Palceoerin- 

 aceus, appears to be allied to Erinaceus, but is distinguished by the 

 wider and completely ossified palate. In the Upper Eocene of 

 Central France there are two genera, which appear to be most 

 nearly allied to Gymnura, although connected by Palceoerinaceus with 

 Erinaceus. Of these Necrogymnurus, 1 with which Cayluxotherium is 

 apparently identical, has teeth like Gymnura, but an imperfectly 

 ossified palate like Erinaceus; and the skull is remarkable for the 

 peculiar rugose structure of the parietal and temporal regions. 

 Comphotherium is distinguished by the presence of a cingulum to 

 the lower molars, like that found in Gymnura. 



Family SORICHXE. 



Skull (Fig. 286) long and narrow, with no zygomatic arch or 

 postorbital process, and the tympanic ring-like and not forming 

 a bulla. Upper molars with the cusps arranged in a distinct W. 

 No pubic symphysis. The tibia and fibula united. No caecum. 

 Habits usually terrestrial, rarely aquatic. Distribution extensive. 



The Shrews are Rat-like or Mouse -like insectivores, with the 

 body covered with hair, and the muzzle long and pointed. Their 

 dentition (Fig. 286) is peculiar and characteristic. Thus the first 

 upper incisor is large and hook-like, with a more or less developed 

 basal cusp on the posterior border. Between this and the last pre- 

 molar there are a variable number of small teeth, representing the 

 other incisors, the canine, and the anterior premolars; although, 

 owing to the early obliteration of the maxillo-premaxillary suture, 



1 Originally given incorrectly as Neurogymnurus. 



