*362 
THE TAN REG. 
its abdomen so close to the ground, as is the case with the preceding animal. The muzzle of 
the Tanrec, or Tenrec, as the name is sometimes written, is extremely elongated, rather sharply 
pointed, and brown in color ; the ears are small and rounded, and the tail is absent, a pecu- 
liarity which has earned for the animal its specific title of ecauddtus , or tailless. The generic 
name, Oentetes , or more correctly Kentetes , is of Greek origin, and signifies “thorny,” in 
allusion to the short and thorn-like spines with which the body is covered. 
The color of the Tanrec is rather variable at different times, on account of the variegated 
tints which bedeck the array of quills that adorn and defend its back. These quills are black 
towards their tips, and yellowish towards their bases, so that either tint predominates, accord- 
ing to the arrangement of the quills. In length they are inferior to those of the Hedgehog, the 
TANREC.— Gentetes ecaudatus. 
largest not exceeding an inch. The throat, abdomen, and inside faces of the limbs are covered 
with rather coarse yellowish hairs, and the sides and flanks are decorated with long silken 
hairs of the same color as the spines. 
Like the Hedgehog, the Tanrec is a hibernating animal, sleeping for at least three months 
of the year, secure in the burrow which it has excavated by means of the powerful and crooked 
claws which are attached to its feet. 
Some writers assert that its period of torpidity is during the heat of summer, while others, 
who have had practical knowledge of the animal and its habits, say that its periodic somnolence 
takes place during the cold and wintry months. These contradictory accounts can be recon- 
ciled by the fact, that the Mauritian winter is from June to November, and that the months 
which in that island are reckoned as summer months, are winter months with ourselves. 
It is not very commonly seen, even in the localities which it most frequents, as it is a 
nocturnal animal, and, except when under the protection of the shades of night, very seldom 
leaves the burrow in which it has taken up its residence. The locality which it chooses for its 
subterranean residence is generally well chosen for the purpose of security, being usually 
among the old roots of clumps of bamboos, which defend and conceal the entrance, and offer 
an almost insurmountable obstacle to any foe that might desire to dig the animal out of its den. 
The natural food of the Tanrec consists of worms, insects, snails, reptiles, and various 
similar substances, but the creature will condescend to feed for a time on more sophisticated 
dainties, such as boiled rice. It is supposed that an unmixed vegetable diet would be very 
hurtful to the animal’s well-being. 
Possessed of a most overpowering and unpleasant smell of musk, the Tanrec is not an 
