ORDER CARNASSIER. 187 



each. In fact, the acquisition of a species, to which we 

 have alluded, gave to the new genus all the sanction which 

 it required. But independently of that, the principal cha- 

 racteristics, which we shall now notice, would have fur- 

 nished a sufficient motive for its establishment. 



The cranium of the Desman exhibits as much analogy 

 with that of the Mole, as with that of the Shrews. It does 

 not terminate in so fine a point as the cranium of the 

 Sorex. The bones of the nose are more elongated, and 

 there is no want of zygomatic arch. The rising branches 

 of the lower maxillaries are more elevated. It has two 

 additional incisors in the lower jaw. The upper incisors have 

 totally a different form from those of the Sorex ; they are 

 large, and of a sugar-loaf form. The small canines are 

 conic, and double the number of those of the Shrews, be- 

 ing six on each side. The Desman, in fine, has forty-four 

 teeth, as well as the Mole, which are distributed in the 

 following manner : 



Lateral Incisors or false Canines. Cheek Teeth. 



Upper jaw, 2 — 12 — 8 = 22).. 

 Lower jaw, 4 — 12 — 6 == 22) 

 The orbit is not more apparent than in the Mole, be- 

 cause the eye is equally small. 



The nasal conchs are prolonged so much as to present 

 the appearance of a horn. Their length is equivalent to 

 that of one-half of the cranium. They decrease insensibly 

 after leaving the muzzle, and then gradually enlarge to- 

 wards the nasal apertures. This horn, or proboscis, is as 

 mobile as that of the Elephant. Pallas speaks of its sup- 

 pleness and agility, and, at the same time, describes the 

 muscles which regulate and impel its movements. 



Another difference, not less important, and which, like 

 the preceding modification, results from the necessity under 

 which the Desman is placed, of constantly inhabiting the 

 water, is the total absence of the external ear. The 



