33 4 INSECTIVORES. 



when viewed in certain lights. The first incisor tooth in each jaw is very large 

 and powerful, the upper one being somewhat chisel-shaped. The tail is laterally 

 flattened. This species inhabits the banks of streams and lakes over 

 a large portion of South-Eastern Russia, dwelling in holes after the 

 manner of the water-vole, and being as much at home in the water as an otter. 

 Indeed, the greater part of the creature's time appears to be spent in that element ; 

 the burrow, which terminates in a large chamber above the level of the water, 

 being chiefly used as a resting and breeding-place. Its chief food consists 

 of aquatic insects and their larvse, although it probably also devours small fish. 

 Insects and larvae are sought after by means of the proboscis-like snout, which is 

 used to probe under stones and in chinks and hollows. A sharp hissing sound is 

 given forth when the animal is irritated or disturbed. The specific name of the 

 desman is derived from the musky odour produced by the secretion of a large gland 

 situated beneath the rest of the tail ; this taint rendering its flesh quite uneatable. 

 Owing to its beautiful fur, which is not unlike that of the otter or beaver, the 

 Russian desman is largely hunted by the peasants of the regions where it is found ; 

 early autumn being the season when the fur is in the finest condition. 



Although now confined to the steppes of South-Eastern Russia, it is remark- 

 able that the Russian desman once extended as far westwards as the British Isles, 

 its fossilised remains having been obtained from the so-called forest bed of the 

 Norfolk coast, which was deposited during the epoch immediately preceding the 

 Glacial period. Remains of extinct species of the genus have also been obtained 

 from the Tertiary deposits of the continent as far back as the lower portion of the 

 Miocene period. 



Pyrenean Des- Far smaller than the Russian species is the Pyrenean desman 



man. (jf pyrenaica), found on both the French and Spanish flanks of the 

 mountain range from which it derives its name. In total length this animal does 

 not much exceed 10 inches, of which about half is formed by the tail. It is, 

 however, also distinguished from its larger relative by the greater proportionate 

 length of its proboscis, and likewise by the tail being perfectly cylindrical. In 

 mode of life the two species seem to be very similar, although it has been stated 

 that the smaller one has a more marked preference for a diet of fish. 



THE MOLE-SHREWS. 

 Genera Urotrichus and Uropsilus. 



A very brief notice must suffice for the curious mole-shrews, which closely 

 connect the moles with the shrews. The true mole-shrews, of which there are two 

 species, constitute the genus Urotrichus, and are respectively found in Japan and 

 North America. They have 36 teeth, of which ^ are incisors, and either -^ or ^ 

 cheek-teeth on each side ; and they are further characterised by their broad and 

 unwebbed fore-feet and fossorial habits. They are mole-like in appearance and of 

 small size. The Tibetan mole-shrew ( Uropsilus soricipes) is the sole representative 

 of a distinct genus differing from the last by having only thirty-four teeth, a 

 narrow fore-foot, and a naked and scaly tail. In habit it is cursorial ; and while 



