24 A Memoir on the Indian species of Shreivs. [No. 1. 



preservation, when the temple was destroyed, and having been soon 

 covered by decayed vegetation, and perhaps undisturbed for cen- 

 turies, the chiseling is as sharp and decided as if it were quite new. 

 Over the centre of the door was a well executed figure of Gunesh, 

 in high relief, represented as seated on a platform under a portico. 

 The other figures appear to be all Budddhist ; and if so, is it not pro- 

 bable, that this was originally a Buddhist temple, subsequently dedi- 

 cated to the Sakti worship ? 



A Memoir on the Indian species of Shrews, oy Edward Bltth, JEJsq. 



As an incentive to the investigation of some of the most imper- 

 fectly known of Indian mammalia, and not the most inviting of 

 groups to amateur students, we shall here endeavour to bring toge- 

 ther, and to reduce or digest into intelligible form and order, the 

 scattered materials available for a Monograph on the Indian Shrews. 

 It may lead to the discovery of additional real species, and probably 

 to the diminution of the number of present supposed species ; be- 

 sides conducing to the further elucidation of those at present 

 known and recognised, and especially to a better knowledge of the 

 extent of their geographical distributions. 



In general, the Shrews of tropical and subtropical countries are 

 distinguished by their comparatively large size, and slaty hue of 

 every shade from pale grey to black, with rufous tips to the fur 

 more or less developed, though in some scarcely noticeable ;* the 

 ear-conch is conspicuously visible above the fur ; the tail thick, 

 tapering, and furnished with scattered long hairs, which certain 

 species also exhibit upon the body ; and the teeth are wholly 

 white,t and of the following type of structure. The superior front- 

 teeth or quasi-incisors (vide J. A. S. XX, 164), are large and 

 strongly hooked, and much longer than their posterior spur ; while 



* In at least some species, the rufous tips would appear to increase with age ; 

 and, to a considerable extent, the colour of these animals is darker, according to 

 the increase of altitude inhabited by a species. 



t While preparing this memoir, we discovered a remarkable exception in the in- 

 stance of SO REX MELANODUN, it. S. 



