102 INSECT-EATERS 



its sprightliness and activity. The whole of the family 

 chiefly inhabit trees, and they feed on fruits and insects. 



The animal figured on the plate is the Bornean Tree 

 Shrew. In eating its food it will hold it in its fore paws 

 exactly like a squirrel. It obtains insects usually from trees, 

 but sometimes is seen on the ground searching for food, 

 very much in the same manner as the common Shrews. 

 The Madras Tree Shrew (Tupaia ellioti), which is abundant 

 in Peninsular India, at certain periods of the year is found 

 dead in considerable numbers, which recalls to mind the 

 strange fate that befalls the English Shrew referred to earlier 

 in the chapter. 



FAMILY POTAMOGALID^E. 

 POTAMOGALE (Potamogale velox). 



The Potamogale, or West African River Shrew, is supposed 

 to be nearly related to the Tanrecs, but has so few points 

 in common with other Insectivores, that it has to form a 

 distinct family in itself. It is about ten or eleven inches in 

 length from the tip of its broad and bristled muzzle to the 

 root of its tail, which is long and very compressed, except 

 where it almost imperceptibly joins the body. The lithe, 

 otter-like form, valved nostrils, and the fine soft fur with 

 an outer covering of long hairs, in themselves are sufficient 

 to suggest aquatic habits. The toes are not webbed, but 

 the tail appears likely to provide excellent motive power. 



The Potamogale was discovered in West Africa by Du 

 Chaillu, who says : * It is found along the watercourses of 

 limpid and clear streams, where fish are abundant. It hides 

 under rocks along these streams, lying in wait for fish. It 

 swims through the water with a rapidity which astonished 

 me; before the fish has time to move it is caught. On 

 account of the rapidity of its movements, I have given it 

 the specific name of velox. The animal returns to land 

 with its prey almost as rapidly as it started from its place 

 of concealment/ 



