202 FAUNA AMERICANA. 



Megalonix, Jefferson, Trans, of the Amer. Phi- 

 los. Soc. No. 30. p. 246. Cuvier, Recherche sur 

 les Ossem. Foss. 1 edit. torn. 4. Ejusd. Ann. du 

 Mus. torn. V. p. 358. pi. 23. 



Characters of the species are those peculiar to 

 the genus. 



DiMEiNsioNs. One-third smaller than the pre- 

 ceding ; about the size of an ox. 



Description. The remains of this animal pre- 

 sent the unguicular phalanges very voluminous, 

 and very much resembling those of the large toes 

 of the Megatherium of Cuvier, and consequently 

 like those of the Sloths and Ant-eaters; the radius 

 and ulna are very similar to the corresponding 

 bones of the same animal, differing only slightly 

 in the form and dimensions of the various articu- 

 lar surfaces and apophyses ; the fore feet have five 

 toes, of which the thumb and little finger are ru- 

 dimentary, and the others armed with robust 

 claws; the teeth of this species more nearly re- 

 semble those of the Sloth than any other known 

 animal.* 



Habit, (presumed.) Possessing teeth similar 

 to the Sloths ; like them the Megalonyx was most 

 probably herbivorous, their feet being so nearly 

 alike, it is presumed that their motions were also 

 similar to these animals. 



* With the exception of the teeth ol' the Chlamyphorus trwu 

 catus. Vid. Ann. of the Lyceum of Nat. Hist. New York, No 

 viii. p. 235.pl. xxi. 1825. 



