OEDEE OP INSECTIVOEA. 



511 



The Chrysochlores burrow like the Moles, and pass their lives 

 underground. 



Family of Shrew Mice. — The animals included in this family 

 have a certain resemblance to Rats, but their muzzle is somewhat 

 trumpet-shaped, pointed or flattened, and this feature markedly 

 distinguishes them from these Rodents. Their habits are very 

 diverse according to the genera. These are five in number : the 

 true Shrew Mice, the Solenodons, the Macroscelides, the Rhyn- 

 chocyons, and the Desmans. 



Genus Shrew House. — A superficial observer would be apt to 

 confound the Shrew Mouse (Fig. 223) with the Mouse. They are 

 nearly of the same form and size ; but the Shrew Mouse has a more 



Fig. 2:^3.— Water Sllrew {Crossopiis fodiens). 



tapering head, the ears shorter, and the tail not so long. Besides 

 these diff'erences, the characteristics to be found in the dentition 

 of this creature place an impassable barrier between the Rodent 

 and Insectivore. The Shrew Mice offer us examples of the smallest 

 Mammals, certain species being much more diminutive than the 

 Mouse. 



These animals are, like the Moles, very badly endowed with 

 vision ; their eyes are so small that it is almost impossible to 

 distinguish the pupils. Long moustaches ornament their muzzle. 

 Their hair is silky, thick, and varying in colour between a grey 

 and a brown ; it is very short on the head, tail, and paws. 



The Shrew Mice feed on worms, insects, snails, and grain 



