[37]. Ἁβρος, soft; Κομη, hair.
[38]. There is a wide difference between the present animals and the Arvicolidæ in the form of the occipital condyles: the same difference is also observable between Echimys and Mus. The Octodontidæ in fact have the same form of condyles as the Chinchillas and Cavies. In this and many other characters the last mentioned animals evince an affinity to the Leporidæ.
[39]. I have not had an opportunity of examining the skull of Abrocoma Bennettii.
[40]. This nail no doubt is used to cleanse the fur, and the bristly hairs may also assist in the operation; the two small toes of the Kangaroo’s hind foot are used for the same purpose.
[41]. The skull is, unfortunately, imperfect, the hinder portion is injured, and the arches which enclosed the ant-orbital openings are broken.
[42]. Azara ‘Voyages dans l’Amerique Meridionale,’ vol. i. p. 316.
[43]. See Proceedings of the Zoological Society for April, 1839, p. 61.
[44]. Azara, Voyage dans l’Amérique Méridionale, vol. i. p. 318.
[45]. Azara, Quadrupeds of Paraguay.
[46]. Voyage de La Coquille. Partie Zoologique, vol. i. p. 168.