GOLDEN MOLES. 
345 
Habits. 
differs from that of all other Insectivores, except, probably, that of the under¬ 
mentioned geogale, by the total absence of collar-bones. 
The compressed tail becoming cylindrical at its base to join the 
body, together with the presence of valves to close the nostrils, would 
alone suffice to indicate the aquatic habits of this curious creature. In addition, 
we have, however, the direct 
testimony of Du Chaillu, who 
observes that the potamogale “ is 
found along the water-courses of 
limpid and clear streams, where 
fish are abundant. It hides under 
rocks along these streams, lying- 
in wait for fish. It swims through 
the water with a rapidity which 
astonished me; before the fish 
has time to move it is caught. 
On account of the rapidity of its 
movements I have given it the 
specific name of velox. The 
animal returns to land with its 
prey almost as rapidly as it 
started from its place of concealment. The great motive-power of the animal in 
the water seems to be in its tail.” 
Probably more or less closely allied to the potamogale is a small 
mouse-like Insectivore from Madagascar, described under the name of 
Geogale. This creature has thirty-four teeth, which resemble in form those of the 
potamogale, but our information is at present insufficient to render us certain as to 
its full affinities. 
THE POTAMOGALE (£ nat. size).—After Allman. 
Geogale. 
The Golden Moles. 
Family CHR YS0CHLORIDLE. 
The golden or Cape moles, constituting the genus Chrysochloris, are so different 
from all other Insectivores of this group that they are referred to a distinct family. 
They are entirely confined to South Africa, where they are represented by about 
seven species, and are commonly termed moles by the colonists. 
The skull of the golden mole differs from that of the tenrec in possessing a 
distinct zygomatic arch below the socket for the eye, and also in that its tympanic 
bulla is bladder-like. In appearance these animals have some resemblance to the 
moles, but they have shorter and thicker bodies, with a deeper head and blunter 
snout. The whole form is, however, admirably adapted for tunnelling through 
the ground; since the eyes are totally covered beneath the hairy skin, and the 
minute ears are deeply buried in the fur. While the hind-feet retain a normal 
form, the fore-feet have been specially modified for the purpose of digging, having 
only four toes, of which the two central ones are furnished with enormous triangular 
claws of great power. The more typical species have altogether forty teeth, but 
