Most zoologists distinguish two groups of Spalacidæ. In the SPALACINÆ, the representatives of which range from south-eastern Europe to further India and the south of China, and also occur in Africa in the countries of Abyssinia and Shoa, the palate between the molar teeth is broader than one of the sockets of the molars, and the angular portion of the lower jaw springs from the lower edge of the bony case of the incisor. To this group belongs the MOLE-RAT (_Spalax typhlus_), which inhabits Hungary and Galicia, and the south-east of Europe generally, and ranges eastwards into Asia as far as the Caucasus and Ekaterinoslav. It possesses only three molars on each side in each jaw, and has the eyes rudimentary and covered by the skin, so that the animal is quite blind; the upper incisors are placed perpendicularly; and the tail reduced to a sort of wart. The toes, especially those of the fore-feet, are furnished with very powerful claws, which are vigorously employed by the animal in the digging operations above described. The general covering of the body is a soft fur of a yellowish-brown colour, tinged with ashy-grey; the head lighter, but becoming brownish behind; and the lower surface ashy-grey, with some white streaks and spots. The muzzle, chin, and feet are whitish, and along each side of the face there runs a sort of ridge of stiff bristle-like hairs. This species is particularly abundant in the Ukraine and the country about the Volga and the Don. The genus _Rhizomys_, of which there are an East Indian and two African species known, has the eyes uncovered, though very small, short naked ears, and a short partially hairy tail. The upper incisors are arched forward. The CHESTNUT MOLE-RAT (_Rhizomys badius_) lives in Northern India, Siam, and Arracan; and, according to Mr. Finlayson, the food of a specimen in confinement consisted of unhusked rice and other grain, but he showed himself fond of yams and pumpkins. The NAKED MOLE-RAT (_Heterocephalus glaber_), which has no external ears and a short tail, has the body almost entirely naked. It is a native of Shoa. [Illustration: MOLE-RAT.]