ORDER OF INSECTIYORA. 
519 
The Tendracs are scarcely different from the Hedgehogs. Like 
them, they have the body covered with spines, and roll themselves 
into a ball ; but they are smaller. 
The Tanrecs are rather more slender and lanky, their prickles 
are less rigid and are mixed with silky hair, and they do not 
possess the faculty of rolling themselves so completely up in a 
ball. They have no tail. They are found not only in Madagascar, 
but also in the islands of Bourbon and the Mauritius. Some 
authors have affirmed that the Tanrecs are torpid during the hot 
season as the Hedgehogs are under the influence of cold ; but this 
statement is unsupported by proof. What may be received as a 
fact is, that these animals sleep during the day, and sally out in 
search of their food at night. 
Fig. 227. — Tikus, or Gymnura ( Gymnura Bnfflesii). 
Genus Gymnura . — The Gymnures (Fig. 227) are notably dif- 
ferent from the Hedgehogs and Tanrecs. They show no trace of 
spines ; their hair is silky everywhere, their muzzle is elongated, 
the tail is as long as the body, and their shape is altogether grace- 
ful. Only one species is known, the Gymnura Rafflesii , named 
after the distinguished naturalist and traveller, Sir Thomas 
Baffles. This animal is found in Sumatra, but its habits have 
not been studied. It is about the same size as the Common 
Hedgehog. 
Genus Tupaia . — The Tupaias inhabit India and the Sunda 
Islands. They have much resemblance to the Squirrels, possessing 
their movements, and also living on trees. Their food consists of 
insects and fruit. They have abundant soft hair, and a long, 
