SOLENODONTIDA 635, 
tibia and fibula typically united distally. No cecum. Confined to 
the Ethiopian region. 
Potamogale.A—Dentition: 1 2, ¢ 1, p 3, m2; total 40. Repre- 
sented only by P. velox of Western Equatorial Africa. This animal 
(Fig. 292) inhabits the banks of streams, and is thoroughly adapted 
for an aquatic life; it is nearly 2 feet in length, the tail measuring 
about half. The long cylindrical body is continued uninterruptedly 
into the thick laterally compressed tail, the legs are very short, and 
the toes are not webbed, progression through the water evidently 
depending wholly on the action of the powerful tail, while the 
limbs are folded inwards and backwards. The muzzle is broad and 
Fic. 292.—Potamogale veloz. x 4. (From Allman, Trans. Zool. Soc. vol. vi. pl. i.) 
flat, and the nostrils are protected by valves. The fur is dark 
brown above, the extremities of the hairs on the back being of a 
metallic violet hue by reflected light, beneath whitish. This curious 
animal was discovered by M. du Chaillu. 
Geogale.-—Dentition : i ,¢ 4, p 3,m 3; total 34. This genus 
is known solely by G@. aurita, a small Mouse-like species from Mada- 
gascar, agreeing closely with Potamogale in the general form of the 
skull and teeth. The tibia and fibula are distinct, but it 1s not 
known whether a clavicle exists ; and the material at present avail- 
able is insufficient to definitely fix the natural position of the genus. 
Fumily SOLENODONTIDA. 
Skull with a small brain-case constricted between the orbits, no 
1 Du Chaillu, Proc. Boston Soc. Hist. Nut. vol. vii. p. 363 (1860). 
2 Milne-Edwards, Ann. Sci. Nat. vol. xv. p. 5 (1872). 
