BAJJERKEIT.—Manis pentaddctyla, 
composed of a number of small plates, joined together, and forming patterns which differ 
in the various species. The whole of the animal, even to the long and tapering tail, is 
covered with these horny scales, with the exception of the upper part of the legs, which 
are concealed under the armour of the body, and need no other protection. At and soon 
after birth, the infant Armadillo is quite soft, like parchment, but the skin is marked in a 
similar manner to that of the adult animal, excepting that the hairs that protrude between 
the shelly plates are more numerous. 
The common ARMADILLO, or Poyou, is about twenty inches in total length, the tail 
occupying some six or seven inches. It is very common in Paraguay, but is not easily 
captured, owing to its remarkable agility, perseverance, and wariness. Encumbered as it 
appears to be with its load of plate-armouwr, 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 nevertheless 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 also will eat eggs, worms, insects, and small 
reptiles of every description. Wherever wild cattle are slain, the Armadillo is sure to make 
its 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 ereat eagerness, becoming quite fat upon the revolting diet. 
