192 
THE SYRIAN HYRAX. 
while the wrist joint very closely resembles that 
of the Tapirs. 
Our plate, which accompanies this, will give 
an idea of the form of this curious and yet limited 
genus. It is taken from the figure of F. Cuvier, 
drawn from a living specimen, which appears to 
have been obtained from the Exeter Change 
collection. All the upper parts of the body are 
of a brownish gray, the lower parts white; 
between the two colours the tint is yellowish, and 
the head, as well as the feet, are of a grayer tint 
than that of the body. The separate hairs are 
ringed with yellowish, black, and white. The 
exposed parts of the skin are blackish violet. 
The specimen alluded to had all the appearance 
and somewhat of the habits of the Rodentia, 
resembling the Sphermophili. It was about eleven 
inches in length, and stood about ten inches high. 
Its movements were quick and lively. It was very 
active, searching around, guided by its scent, and 
trying to get into narrow openings, or holes, where 
it could lie concealed. It delights in heat, and 
exposes alternately the different parts of its body 
to the sun ; while, in cold weather, it rolls itself 
up in its hay or litter. It was quite tame, but does 
not like to be seized, though it never attempts to 
bite, and only utters a slight hissing sound when 
irritated. It is an animal entirely diurnal in its 
habits, and completely herbivorous — fed, when 
