934 MEGALOTIS. 
if we compare it with the same forms m bats, 
whose exquisite hearing, and singular power of 
diversified perceptions, are known to belong to 
their enlarged and complicated ears, we may fairly 
presume the Megalotes likewise enjoy distinct facul- 
ties and increased sensibilities by means of these 
organs. For this purpose, also, they have the 
cerebral chamber very considerably larger than 
those of canines of equal proportion; the auditory 
apparatus immensely developed; the skulls are 
destitute of the central ridge where the temporal 
muscles are inserted; and the jaws have no great 
powers of action. Beside the diurnal eyes, the 
great expanded ears, and the spot on the tail, this 
group is further distinguished by the soles of the 
feet being covered with hair; a provision the more 
remarkable, because all the known species of this 
group belong to tropical latitudes. Their teeth, 
though the same in number with the rest of the 
canide, indicate, that beside fruit, honey, and birds- 
eggs, they are prone to feed on insects ; this pro- 
pensity is perhaps facilitated by their hairy feet 
making no noise, and causing no concussion of the 
earth while in pursuit of their prey. They burrow 
in- the sandy deserts of Africa, and about the roots 
of date palms. 
In this group we do not however admit Megalotis 
Lalandit or Canis megailotis; but, on account of 
the singular dentition, refer it to a distinct sub- 
genus, which, in the natural order, seems best 
placed after Vulpes, and before Lycaon. 
