344 



INSECTIVORES. 



what ditferent from that of B. jxiradoxus. It is found in the mountains of the 

 southern and western portions of the island from wliich it takes its name, and it 

 issues forth from its diurnal resting-place during the late afternoon and early 

 evening, to spend the night iu search of food. From the readiness with which, 

 when in captivity, it will tear in pieces meat that is ofl'ered to it, it may be inferred 

 that in the wild state its food is not restricted to insects. 



V *.,.»/ f r* </ ,* 



THE CUBAN SOLEXODON (} nat. size). 



The POTAliIOGALE. 



Family POTAUOGALID^. 



The curious aquatic Insectivore from West Africa, discovered by Du Chaillu. 

 and named Ijy him Potamogale, differs so much from all other members of the order 

 that, like the solenodons, it forms the representative of a distinct family. P. velox 

 may be recognised by its otter -like form, and long laterally compressed tail, 

 passing almost imperceptibly into the body. In size it is rather large for an 

 Insectivore, the length of the head and body being 11 inches, and that of the 

 tail nearly the same. It has a total of forty teeth, which have the same serial 

 arrangement as in the long-tailed tenrecs, and are placed very near together. The 

 head is characterised by the great width of the broad muzzle, which is provided 

 with a number of large bristles, and has its nostrils closed bj' valves. The body is 

 long and cjdindrical, and the limbs are short, with the toes not connected together 

 by webs. The bodj- is covered with a coarse outer coat of long hairs and an inner 

 one of a finer and softer nature : the colour of the upper-parts being dark brown, 

 while the under-pai-ts are whitish. In certain lights, however, the dark portion 

 of the pelage is shot with a purplish metallic tint. The skeleton of the potamogale 



