198 EASTERN ARCTOG^A. [CHAP. 



intermediate between the existing Semnopithecus and Macacus. 

 The insectivores are likewise known only by a solitary form, a 

 shrew (Sorex) ; but this is probably due to the nature of the strata 

 being unfitted for the preservation of the remains of such small 

 creatures. The Carnivora, on the other hand, were abundant, the 

 Felidce being represented not only by the sabre-tooths (Machter- 

 odus), but true cats (Felis) likewise making their appearance on 

 the scene. Hyaenas display a great variety of development, there 

 being one species of the typical genus Ifycena, with certain 

 resemblances to the existing Cape form, while the more generalised 

 types known as Lycyana and Hycenictis were likewise present, as 

 were also species of Ictitherium^ and the allied Palhyana, which, 

 as already mentioned, formed a connecting link between the 

 hyaenas and the civets. True dogs seem to have been absent from 

 this assemblage ; but Amphicyon still survived from the Miocene, 

 and an aberrant form known as Simocyon made its appearance. 

 Hycznarctus was likewise another survivor from the Miocene, and 

 may be regarded as a forerunner of the true bears. Finally, in the 

 weasel tribe (MustelidcB) we have representatives of the existing 

 genus Mustela, as well as the extinct Pal&omephitis and Promeles, 

 the latter being an ancestral type of the badgers. 



Rodents make but a poor show, as we have only the extinct 

 beaver-like Chalicomys, a species of porcupine (ffystrix), and a 

 representative of the curious little spiny mice (Acomys\ now 

 characteristic of Syria, Palestine, and north-eastern Africa. 



A remarkable advance over their Miocene forerunners is 

 displayed by the ungulates, especially those from Pikermi and 

 Maraga. Here, in the artiodactyle section, we meet for the first 

 time with true pigs of the genus Sus, which at this period ranged 

 over the greater portion of Europe, and some of which attained 

 very large dimensions. Water-chevrotains (Dorcatherium) serve 

 to connect the Miocene representatives of their genus with the 

 existing West African form; while muntjacs (Cervulus), now 

 confined to the Oriental region, filled the place of the stags. 

 Giraffe-like creatures were numerous, for not only have we true 

 giraffes belonging to the existing Ethiopian genus Giraffa, but the 

 gigantic hornless Helladotherium stalked over the plains of Greece, 

 and the allied but horned Samotherium inhabited the area now 



