THE PEBA. 629 



with its load of plate-armor, it runs with such speed that it can hardly be overtaken by a 

 quick-footed man, and if it should contrive to reach its burrow, it can never be got out except 

 by dint of hard work. Its hearing is exquisitely acute, and as during the daytime the 

 creature never ventures very far from its home, it readily evades the attacks of every foe 

 excepting man. 



The natives, to whom time is of little value, employ a long but a sure process of obtaining 

 the Armadillo after it has taken refuge in its home. In order to ascertain whether the animal 

 is at home, they push a stick into the hole, and if a quantity of mosquitoes come buzzing out, 

 it is a sure sign that the tenant is within. It seems very strange that the mosquitoes should 

 attach themselves to an animal so well defended against their attacks, but such is neverthe- 

 less the case. Having ascertained the presence of the Armadillo, they push a stick into the 

 hole, and sink a pit so as to catch the end of the stick. The stick is then pushed still farther, 

 and another pit sunk, and so on, until the Armadillo is fairly captured. 



The food of the Armadillo is nearly as varied as that of the swine, for there are few eatable 

 substances, whether vegetable or animal, which the Armadillo will not devour, provided they 

 are not too hard for its little teeth. Various roots, potatoes, and maize are among its articles 

 of vegetable diet, and it will also eat eggs, worms, insects, and small reptiles of every descrip- 

 tion. Wherever wild cattle are slain the Armadillo is sure to make his appearance in a short 

 time, for the purpose of devouring the offal which the hunter leaves on the ground. It is not 

 at all particular in taste, and devours the half-putrid remains with great eagerness, becoming 

 quite fat upon the revolting diet. 



As the Armadillo is a nocturnal animal its eyes are more fitted for the dark than for the 

 bright glare of sunlight, which dazzles the creature, and sadly bewilders it. If it should be 

 detected on the surface of the ground, and its retreat intercepted before it can regain its hole, 

 the Armadillo rolls itself up as it best can, and tucking its head under the chest, draws in its 

 legs and awaits the result. Even when taken in the hand it is not without a last resource, for 

 it kicks so violently with its powerfitl legs that it can inflict severe lacerations with the 

 digging claws. The legs are wonderfully powerful in comparison with the dimensions of the 

 animal. I have seen an Armadillo run about the ground with perfect ease, although it was 

 carrying on its back three monkeys who had chosen to take their seats upon its mail-clad 

 person. The Armadillo swims well, but does not enter the water from choice. 



In spite of the unpleasant diet on which the animal feeds, its flesh is eaten by the natives, 

 and is held by them in some estimation. It is, however, very rank and strong in flavor, and 

 to civilized palates is rather disagreeable. The young of this animal are from six to eight in 

 number. 



ANOTHER curious species of Armadillo is the APARA, or MATACO (Tatusia tridncta), 

 which is often found on the Pampas. It is remarkable for the solid manner in which it is 

 covered by its armor, there being only three bands in the centre of the body, the remainder of 

 the creature being sheltered under the horny plates. When attacked, it can draw itself into 

 a perfect ball, which is impervious to the teeth of predaceous animals, for it is too large to be 

 taken into the mouth and cracked, and is so hard and smooth that the teeth glide harmlessly 

 from its polished surface. The tail is very short, and, with the head, can be completely envel- 

 oped in the shell. On account of its shape when rolled together the Spaniards call it the 

 "Bolita," or little ball. 



The claws of this animal are feeble, and its legs weak, so that it is unable to burrow in the 

 ground, and depends for defence totally on its coat of mail, which is the more required, as it 

 is a diurnal animal. 



THE PEBA, or TATOUHOU (Tatusia septemelnctus\ is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and Para- 

 guay, and is larger than either of the preceding species, being about thirty inches in total 

 length, the slender and tapering tail being fourteen or fifteen inches long. Its color is a very 

 dark brown-black, from which circumstance it is sometimes called the Black Tatu. It is found 

 in the open country, and is a good burrower. The natives seek it on account of the flesh, 



