GOLDEN MOLES. 



345 



Habits. 



THE POTAMOGALE (J nat. size). After Allman. 



differs from that of all other Insectivores, except, probably, that of the under- 

 mentioned geogale, by the total absence of collar-bones. 



The compressed tail becoming cylindrical at its base to join the 



body, together with the presence of valves to close the nostrils, would 

 alone suffice to indicate the aquatic habits of this curious creature. In addition, 

 wi- have, however, the direct 

 testimony of Du Chaillu, who 

 observes that the potamogale " is 

 found along the water-courses 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. The great motive-power of the animal in 

 the water seems to be in its tail." 



Probably more or less closely allied to the potamogale is a small 



mouse-like Insectivore from Madagascar, described under the name of 

 Geogale. This creature has thirty-four teeth, which resemble in form those of the 

 potamogale, but our information is at present insufficient to render us certain as to 

 its full affinities. 



THE GOLDEN MOLES. 

 Family CHRYSOCHLORID^. 



The golden or Cape moles, constituting the genus Chrysochloris, are so different 

 from all other Insectivores of this group that they are referred to a distinct family. 

 They are entirely confined to South Africa, where they are represented by about 

 seven species, and are commonly termed moles by the colonists. 



The skull of the golden mole differs from that of the tenrec in possessing a 

 distinct zygomatic arch below the socket for the eye, and also in that its tympanic 

 bulla is bladder-like. In appearance these animals have some resemblance to the 

 moles, but they have shorter and thicker bodies, with a deeper head and blunter 

 snout. The whole form is, however, admirably adapted for tunnelling through 

 the ground ; since the eyes are totally covered beneath the hairy skin, and the 

 minute ears are deeply buried in the fur. While the hind-feet retain a normal 

 form, the fore-feet have been specially modified for the purpose of digging, having 

 only four toes, of which the two central ones are furnished with enormous triangular 

 claws of great power. The more typical species have altogether forty teeth, but 



Geogale. 



