xxv] 



INSECTIVORA 



671 



The other two families are the Shrew-mice (SORICIDAE) and 

 the Moles (TALPIDAE) ; these are represented in both Great Britain 

 and North America, but the latter country is without Hedgehogs. 

 The Soricidae have lost the zygomatic arch altogether, the pubes 

 are disconnected and the tympanic is ring-like. As the popular 

 name implies these are mouse-like animals covered with fur. 

 There are three British species, JSorex vulgaris, about the size of 

 an ordinary Mouse, Sorex pygmaeus, one of the smallest Mammals 

 known, and Crossopus fodiens, the Water-shrew, distinguished by 



FIG. 336. African Jumping-shrew, Macroscelides tetradactylus x 



Peters. 



From 





having the feet frayed with stiff hairs to aid in swimming. The 

 North American Blarina, has the aspect of a Mole with its smali 

 eyes and rudimentary outer ears. It is called the Mole-shrew, but 

 its normal arms and hands at once distinguish it from the true 

 Moles. The true Moles, TALPIDAE, are above all characterised by 

 the greatly enlarged hands and powerful though short arms by 

 which they are adapted for a burrowing life. To make room for the 

 large hands in narrow burrows the front segment of the sternum is 

 greatly elongated, thus carrying the pectoral girdle and limbs forward 



