SORICIDAL 623 
in the variable size and position of the second upper premolar, 
which is very small, external, and deciduous in the Indian 
E. micropus and pictus. The former species, limited to South India, 
is further distinguished by the absence of the jugal bone. Of the 
African species, E. diadematus, with long frontal spines, is probably 
the commonest; while EF. albiventris has been made the type of a 
separate genus on account of the total absence of the hallux. 
The well-known European species feeds on insects, worms, slugs, 
mice, rats, lizards, snakes, etc., as well as on eggs, fruit, and roots. 
It hibernates during the winter. The young are usually produced 
in July or August in litters of not more than four, but there may 
be a second litter in October; and the period of gestation is be- 
lieved not to exceed a month. The Indian, and probably also the 
African species, do not hibernate. 
The existing 7. ewropeus dates from the Pleistocene period, and 
extinct species of the genus are found in the Upper and Middle 
Miocene of the Continent. 
Extinct Genera.—The French Lower Miocene genus, Paleoerin- 
aceus, appears to be allied to Hrinaceus, but is distinguished by the 
wider and completely ossified palate. In the Upper Eocene of 
Central France there are two genera, which appear to be most 
nearly allied to Gymnura, although connected by Palewoerinaceus with 
Erinaceus. Of these Necrogymnurus,! with which Cayluxotherium is 
apparently identical, has teeth like Gymnwra, but an imperfectly 
ossified palate like Erinaceus ; and the skull is remarkable for the 
peculiar rugose structure of the parietal and temporal regions. 
Comphotherium is distinguished by the presence of a cingulum to 
the lower molars, like that found in Gynmura. 
Family SorRiciDz&. 
Skull (Fig. 286) long and narrow, with no zygomatic arch or 
postorbital process, and the tympanic ring-like and not forming 
‘a bulla. Upper molars with the cusps arranged in a distinct W. 
No pubic symphysis. The tibia and fibula united. No cecum. 
Habits usually terrestrial, rarely aquatic. Distribution extensive. 
The Shrews are Rat-like or Mouse-like insectivores, with the 
body covered with hair, and the muzzle long and pointed. Their 
dentition (Fig. 286) is peculiar and characteristic. Thus the first 
upper incisor is large and hook-like, with a more or less developed 
basal cusp on the posterior border. Between this and the last pre- 
molar there are a variable number of small teeth, representing the 
other incisors, the canine, and the anterior premolars; although, 
owing to the early obliteration of the maxillo-premaxillary suture, 
) Originally given incorrectly as Vewrogymnurus. 
