THE INSECT EATERS. 259 



are but the last survivors of a group of Pseudo-hoofed 

 animals, which was once rich in forms, is proved not only 

 by the very numerous fossil species of Elephants and Masto- 

 don (some of which are even larger, others also much 

 smaller than the Elephants of the present day), but also by 

 the remarkable miocene Binotheria (Gonyognatha), between 

 which and their next kindred, the Elephants, there must be 

 a long series of unknown connecting intermediate forms. 

 Taking all things into consideration, the most probable 

 hyjjothesis which can be established at present as to the 

 origin and the relationship of Elephants, Dinotheria,Toxodon, 

 and Hyrax is, that they are the last survivors of a group 

 of Pseudo-hoofed animals rich in forms, which developed 

 out of the Rodentia, and probably out of relatives of the 

 Subungulata. 



The order of Insect Eaters (Insectivora) is a very ancient 

 group, and is next akin to the common extinct primary 

 form of the Deciduata, as well as to the Semi-apes of the 

 present day. It has probably developed out of Semi-apes 

 which were closely allied to the Long-footed Lemurs (Macro- 

 tarsi) of the present day. It is separated into two orders, 

 Menotyphla and Lipotyphla ; the Menotyphla are probably 

 the older of the two, and are disting-uished from the Lipo- 

 typhla by possessing an intestinal coecum, or typhlon. The 

 Menotyphla include the climbing Tupaj as of the Sunda Isles, 

 and the leaping Maeroscelides of Africa. The Lipotyphla are 

 represented in our country by shrew mice, moles, and hedge- 

 hogs. The Insectivora, in the formation of their jaws and 

 their mode of life, are nearly akin to Camivora, but are, 

 on the other hand, by their discoplacentas and by their 

 large seminal vesicles, allied to Rodents. 



