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MANUAL OF ZOOLOGY. 



CHAPTER LXXVIII. 



INSECTIVORA. 



ORDER XV. INSECTIVORA. The fifteenth order of Mammals is 

 that of the Insectivora, comprising a number of small Mammals 

 which are very similar to the Rodents in many respects, but 

 want the peculiar incisors of that order, and are likewise almost 

 always furnished with clavicles. 



In the Insectivora, all the three kinds of teeth are usually pres- 

 ent, but the exact nature of the dentition varies considerably in 

 different cases. The incisors and canines present little special, but 

 the molars (fig. 445) are always serrated with numerous small 



pointed eminences or cusps, 

 adapted for crushing in- 

 sects. With one exception 

 (Potamogale), clavicles are 

 always present in a com- 

 plete form. All the feet 

 are ustially furnished with 

 five toes ; all the toes are 

 furnished with claws ; 

 and the animal walks on 

 the soles of the feet, or is 

 plantigrade. The testes 

 pass periodically from the 

 abdomen into a temporary 

 scrotum ; and the placenta is deciduate and discoidal. They are 

 mostly nocturnal and subterranean, and generally hibernate. 

 They are all of small size, and are found everywhere, except 

 in the continents of South America and Australia, where their 

 place is filled by Marsupials. 



The order Insectivora has been divided variously by different 

 authorities, but the following are the principal families : 



Fam. i. Talpida. The body in this family is covered with 

 hair ; the feet are formed for digging and burrowing, and the 

 toes are furnished with strong curved claws. 

 external ears ; and the eyes in the adult are 

 may be covered by the skin. The clavicles are strong, the 

 arm very short, the hand wide, and the palm turned outwards 

 and backwards. The fur is short and velvety, and the tail 

 very short or wanting, in most cases. 



The common Mole (Talpa Europcea, fig. 446) is the only 



Fig. 445. Dentition of the common Mole (Talpa 

 Europced). 



There are no 

 very small, or 



