CHAP. VI.] 
MAMMALIA OF THE OLD WORLD. 
113 
A more interesting fact for us is the occurrence of the genus 
Tapirus in the Newer Pliocene of France and in the older beds 
of both France and England, since this genus is now isolated 
in the remotest parts of the eastern and western tropics. The 
genera Rhinoceros , Hippopotamus , and Sus, occur here as in the 
preceding epoch. 
We next come to the deer genus ( Cervus ), which appears to 
have been at its maximum in this period, no less than eight 
species occurring in the Norwich Crag, and Forest-beds. Among 
the Bovidse, the antelopes, ox, and bison, are the only forms repre- 
sented here, as in the Post-Pliocene period. Passing on to the 
Proboscidea, we find three species of elephants and two of Mas- 
todon preserved in European beds of this period, all distinct from 
those of Post-Pliocene times. 
Rodentia. — In this order we find representatives of many 
living European forms ; as Cricetus (hamster), Arvicola (vole), 
Castor (beaver), Ardomys (marmot), Hyslrix (porcupine), 
Lepus (hare), and Lagomys (pika) ; and a few that are extinct, 
the most important being Chalicomys, allied to the beaver; 
and Issiodromys , said to come nearest to the remarkable 
Pedetes of South Africa, both found in the Pliocene formations 
of France. 
General Conclusions as to Pliocene and Post-Pliocene Faunas of 
Europe. — This completes the series of fossil forms of the Pliocene 
deposits of Europe. They show us that the presence of numer- 
ous large carnivora and ungulates (now almost wholly tropical) in 
the Post- Pliocene period, was due to no exceptional or temporary 
cause, but was the result of a natural succession from similar 
races which had inhabited the same countries for long preceding 
ages. In order to understand the vast periods of time covered 
by the Pliocene and Post-Pliocene formations, the works of Sir 
Charles Lyell must be studied. We shall then come to see, that 
the present condition of the fauna of Europe is wholly new and 
exceptional. For a long succession of ages, various forms of 
monkeys, hyasnas, lions, horses, hipparions, tapirs, rhinoceroses, 
hippopotami, elephants, mastodons, deer, and antelopes, together 
I 
