NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



partly within its burrow, it requires an enormous 

 amount of force to drag it out. A reim is usually 

 attached to the creature's hind-leg, and several 

 strong men are required to exert their full strength 

 to pull it out. The animal braces itself against the 

 sides of the hole, distends its body, and grips firmly 

 with its fore-paws, which are spread out, and grimly 

 and silently resists. 



The belief that a team of oxen sometimes fails 

 to dislodge an Ant Bear is nonsense. 



An Aard Vark, cut off from its burrow when out 

 in search of food, is easily captured, for the reason 

 that it is a poor runner. It requires several men 

 with reims or ropes to take one alive. It can strike 

 a powerful blow with its shoulder by making a 

 rapid and sudden turning movement. I have seen 

 a man's leg broken by such a blow. 



Occasionally when riding over the lonely veld by 

 moonlight, a hulking, ghostly-looking form may be 

 seen ambling off. It is an Ant-Eater retiring, in 

 alarm, to its burrow. 



This animal is a most inoffensive creature. Its 

 food consists entirely of termites, locusts and various 

 odd insects. 



Some species of termites which inhabit South 

 Africa are a fearful scourge. Although not ants in 

 a scientific sense, they are commonly known as 

 " White Ants." These termites subsist upon vege- 

 table matter, and do extensive damage by devouring 

 the woodwork of houses, stacks of hay, lucerne, 



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