HEDGEHOGS. 
3i7 
limbs are relatively shorter than in the typical jumping shrews, while the muzzle 
is so much produced as to form a veritable trunk. The reduction in the number of 
the teeth is due to the disappear¬ 
ance of two out of the three pairs 
of incisors in the upper jaws ; and 
in very aged individuals even the 
single remaining pair may be shed, 
thus leaving the creature without 
any upper front teeth. The length 
of the head and body of the best- 
known species is about 8 inches; 
and that of its long, scaly, rat-like 
tail somewhat less. Its general 
colour is rusty-brown, becoming 
blacker on the top of the head and 
along the back; while the flanks 
have some bright reddish spots 
just below the hinder part of the 
back. 
From the reduc- 
Habits. 
tion in the number of 
their teeth and toes, as well as 
from the prolongation of the 
muzzle, we may regard the long- 
nosed jumping shrews as very specialised creatures. Unfortunately, we know 
little or nothing of their habits; but from their relatively shorter hind-legs it may 
be assumed that they are less habitual leapers than the typical members of 
the family. Like many of the more aberrant Insectivores, the long-nosed jumping 
shrews appear to be very rare animals. 
rock jumping shrew (J nat. size). From a Plate by Peters. 
The Hedgehogs and Gymnuras. 
Family ErinaceidjE. 
The hedgehogs and their near allies the gymnuras constitute a well-marked 
family, distinguished by several important characters from the preceding groups. 
The more important of these characters are unfortunately of such a nature as to 
be but briefly referred to in this place. It may be observed, however, that the 
brain (as may be readily seen from the dimensions of its chamber in the dried 
skull) is relatively smaller, and the union of the anterior elements of the pelvis in 
the middle line on the inferior aspect of the body shorter than in the preceding 
families. Further, if the cavity for the eye in the dried skull be examined, it will 
be found that there is not even a trace of any bony process to mark off its 
hinder limit from the larger hollow containing the muscles that work the lower 
jaw. With the exception of one species, all the members of the family have five¬ 
toed feet, provided with simple claws not adapted for digging; this feature being 
