316 
1NSECTIV0RES. 
Numerous species of this genus are found over a large part of 
Distribution. ® 1 
the African continent, their range extending from the Cape to Algiers; 
and most of them being very much alike, both as regards size, form, and colour. 
The species figured here is the Cape jumping shrew, a tawny-brown animal of 
about 5 inches in length, exclusive of the tail: the length of the latter being 
about 3 inches. They are very common in South Africa, where they dwell 
among grass and bushes, coming forth at dusk from their hiding-places to scour 
the plains in search of their insect food. The Algerian jumping shrew (M. rozeti ) 
is a very similar animal, known to the French colonists of the districts it inhabits 
as the rat a trompe, which is said to vary the insect diet of the Cape species with 
cape jumping shrew (| nat. size). 
an admixture of vegetable food. Like the tree-shrews, this species can be readily 
tamed, and soon becomes familiar, not to say impudent. 
Rock Jumping Of larger size than any of the other species of the genus, is the 
shrew. rock jumping shrew (M. tetradactylus), of the Mozambique coast of 
East Africa, which derives its name from dwelling in rocky districts, where it 
conceals itself in the crannies and clefts of rocks. The most important characteristic 
of this species is, however, the presence of only four toes to the hind-feet, the small 
inner toes found in the other species having disappeared. It is likewise peculiar in 
having but forty teeth, owing to the loss of the last molar on either side of the 
lower jaw. 
Longnosed More remarkable than any of the above are the long-nosed 
jumping shrews, j umping shrews, of which there are four species from Zanzibar and 
the adjacent regions of the East Coast of Africa. These collectively constitute the 
genus Rhynchocyon, distinguished from the preceding group by having only 
thirty-six teeth, and but four toes on both fore- and hind-feet. Further, the hind- 
