NEOTROPICAL REGION 103 
most distinctive are the Pouched Rats (472000) /.2r), and the Beaver-like 
rodents known as the Hapluvatide. True Rats and Mice (Vus, 
which are represented throughout the Old World, are totally wanting 
in the New, where they are replaced by the Vesper-mice. which may 
be included in the European genus Crie/‘s, although often separated 
as Hesveromys, This feature alone would seem to justify the dis- 
tinction of the Nearetic from the Palearctic region. The Musquash 
(fiver) is a genus of Nearetie rodents unknown in the Old World. 
Among other characteristic genera We may Mention, in the Carnivora, 
the Skunk (Mephitis) and che American Badger (Tazidea). Primates 
are absent from the entire region. 
cpinl) Fexiem—The last of the six main regions is the 
Neotropical, including Mexico, South America, and the West Indies. 
Avery large extent ‘of this area is occupied by forests. which are 
described as being denser and more luxuriant than those of any 
other part of the globe. Alternating with these forest areas are 
the vast grassy plains known in different rezions as Hanos, savannas, 
and pampas. The back-bone of the region is formed by the greaz 
chain of the Andes. Next to the Australasian. this region is 
perhaps better characterised by its mammalian fauna than any of 
the others. Commencing with the Un sulates, we find a total 
absence of Antelopes, Sheep. and Oxen, and also of all Perissodac- 
trles except Tapirs. Deer are, however, represented. although br 
peculiar forms (C2sitevs) unknown beyond the New World. The 
Pecearies (IMevfulzs), which are citen made the type of a discinet 
family, take the place of the Old World Pizs, while the Llamas and 
Alpacas (4ucienia) are the substitutes Tor the Palearctic Camels. 
The Carnivora inelude several Cats (F27is\, among which the Puma 
and the Jaguar are the mest noticeable; and there are also Raccoons, 
Coatis, Foxes, and one species of Bear.  Insectivora are tozally 
wanting: but the Bats are characterised by the presence of the 
Vampyres (Piullastomatid:), which are almost restricted to this 
region. The Rodents likewise inelude three families unknown 
elsewhere, namely the Chinchillas and Viscacha aoe pies the 
Agouties (1). fide’, and the Cavies (Carudz); while a large 
number of the Cctoduntide are Neotropical. all the other forms 
being Ethiopian. In the Frimaces, again. we have all the forms 
quite peculiar to this rezion. and constituting two families. viz the 
Celidz or Prehensile-zatied Monkeys. and the Hevalide, or Mar- 
mosets, both of which differ decidedly in their dentizion, as well 
as in other features. from the Old World Monkeys. Lemuroids 
are unknown. Perhaps, however, the mammals which may be 
considered ag most characteristic of the Nearetic rezion are the 
numerous Edentates, which form three families. mostly confined to 
it. These the Brotypelide or Sloths. which solely 
inhabit the forest region; the Myrmceophamiix or Anceaters ; and 
