CHAP. XVII.] 
MAMMALIA. 
189 
being now separated from each other by an extensive continent, 
as well as by a deep ocean. 
Extinct Species . — Remains found in the Lower Miocene of the 
South of France are believed to belong to the genus Echinops, 
or one closely allied to it. 
Family 19. — POTAMOGALIDAL (1 Genus, 1 Species,) 
General Distribution. 
Neotropical 
Sub-regions. 
Nearctjc 
Sub-regions. 
PaLjEARCTIC 
Sub-regions. 
Ethiopian 
Sub-regions. 
Oriental 
Sub- regions. 
Australian 
Sub-regions, 
The genus Potamogale was founded on a curious, small, otter- 
like animal from West Africa, first found by M. Du Chaillu at 
the Gaboon, and afterwards by the Portuguese at Angola. Its 
affinities are with several groups of Insectivora, but it is 
sufficiently peculiar to require the establishment of a distinct 
family for its reception. (Plate V., vol. i,, p. 264.) 
Family 20.— CHRYSOCHLORIDAE. (2 Genera, 3 Species.) 
General Distribution. 
N EOTROPICAL 
Sub-regions. 
Nearctic 
Sub-regions. 
1 Pal.® arctic 
Sub-regions. 
Ethiopian 
Sub-regions. 
Oriental 
Sub-regions. 
Australian 
Sub-regions. 
The Chrysochloridse, or golden moles, of the Cape of Good 
Hope have been separated by Professor Mivart into two genera, 
Chrysocliloris and Chalcochloris. They are remarkable mole-like 
animals, having beautiful silky fur, with a metallic lustre and 
changeable golden tints. They are peculiar to the Cape district, 
but one species extends as far north as the Mozambique territory. 
Their dentition is altogether peculiar, so as to completely separate 
tfiem from the true moles. 
