Sz • tie pangolin, or great manis, July l^. 



Somewhat similar to that is the armour with 

 ivliich nature hath cloathed the manis. All the up- 

 per parts of its body are closely covered with scales 

 of different sizes, which it can erect at pleasure, op- 

 posing to its adversary a formidable congeries of of- 

 fensive weapons. The tiger, the panther, or leopard, 

 in vain attempt to devour it. The moment it per- 

 ceives the approach of a powerful enemy, it rolls it- 

 self up like a hedge hog, and by that means secures 

 all the weaker parts of its body. 



This, like most animals that are so powerfully 

 armed, is a timid harmlefs creature ; and though it 

 grows to a great size, sometimes measuring eight 

 feet in length, it never attacks any creature by vio- 

 lence. 



It feeds upon ants, which it catches by laying out 

 its long red tongue, covered with an unctuous slime, 

 acrofs the paths of those insects. It is a native of 

 Formosa, and the Indian isles ; where these insects 

 are found in such quantities as to furniih abundant 

 food for this large animal, many millions of which 

 it must devour in a day. It thus co-operates with 

 man, in destroying those voracious insects. It is 

 ajso a native of Guinea. 



Its flefli is much esteemed for its delicacy, but it 

 is difficult to procure; as the animal avoids mankind, 

 and lives in obscure retreats, in woods, and marlby 

 places. With its peculiar habits we are of course 

 as yet but little acquainted. 



