1882. ] AFRICAN MUNGOOSES. 79 
II]. HeELoGae. Type. 
Helogale, Gray, P.Z.S. 1861, p. 308.........055 H. parvula. 
Range. Mozambique to Natal. 
Toes 5—5. Teeth, I. 3, C. j, P.M.» M. 5 x2=36. Outlines 
of skull more rounded than in Herpestes, even in old specimens. 
Underside of tarsus naked. ‘Tail shorter than the body. Other 
characters as in Herpestes. 
This genus was separated from the true Mungooses by Dr. Gray 
on account of the presence of only three premolars in each jaw, 
instead of four as normally possessed by Herpestes. It is true that 
in that genus, as mentioned above, the first small premolar is fre- 
quently absent ; but in these cases there is always a vacant space 
where the tooth usually stands; while in Helogale the tooth which 
corresponds to the second premolar stands quite close to the canine, 
leaving no diastema whatever. 
In addition to this character, the general shape of the skull is 
quite different from that of Herpestes, being shorter, broader in 
proportion, the walls of the brain-case thinner, and all the surfaces 
much smoother, with less well-marked muscular ridges. The figures 
of the skull quoted in the synonymy below show the difference in 
general appearence very well. 
The form of the teeth is, as Prof. Peters remarks, very similar to 
that found in “‘ Herpestes fasciatus,” which likeness extends to the 
other species of Crossarchus; but the two genera may of course be 
readily distinguished by the different shape of the skull, and by the 
presence in Helogale of the distinct naked line from the nose to the 
upper lip already referred to. 
The skulls and dentition of the two species of this genus seem to 
be very much alike, though there isa slight difference in the size of the 
last molars. 
[eo 
1. HeELOGALE PARVULA. 
* Herpestes parvulus, Sundev. City. af Kongl. Vet. Ak. Forhandl. 
1846, p. 121. 
Helogale parvula, Gray, P. Z.S. 1861, p. 308 (woodcuts of skull). 
Hab. Natal (Wahlberg). 
Size small, form slender ; tail rather shorter than the body without 
the head. General colour above and below dark finely grizzled grey- 
brown, the hairs annulated with black or brown and yellowish white. 
Feet and tail like body but rather darker. No trace of rufous on 
- any part of the body. 
Last molar proportionally somewhat larger than in H. undulata. 
Dental percentage 79-80. 
Dimensions. 
Head and body. ‘Tail. Hind foot. 
a. Natal (one of the types) .... 9°5 5°5 1°5 
b. ” (Warwick) seeteoeees 83 4'6 — 
