THE OTHER BEASTS 



367 



has received the name Potomogcde. It is about two feet 

 in length, and has a powerful tail by which it swims. 

 An allied form, which is small and mouse-like, inhabits 

 the island of Madagascar. The same island possesses 



Fig, 102. 



THE SOLENODON OF CUBA. 



some curious insectivores, which, on account of their 

 spines, were at first taken for hedgehogs of some kind. 

 Their type is known as Centetes, and is an animal from 

 twelve to sixteen inches long. It seems to be the most 

 prolific of all animals, for it has been said to bear twenty- 

 one at a birth. 



The islands of Hayti and Cuba possess each a species 

 of a very curious form of insectivore called Solenodon. 



