ARMADILLO,.—Dédsypus sexcinctus. 
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 wp as it best can, and tucking its head under the chest, 
draws in its legs and awaits the result. Even when taken in hand it is not without a 
last resource, for it kicks so violently with its powerful 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 
flavour, and to European 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 MaAtaco (Tatisia tricincta), 
which is often found on the Pampas. It is remarkable for the solid manner in which it 
is covered by its armour, 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 tails very short, and, with the head, 
can be completely enveloped 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 PsA, or TarouHou (Tuattisia septemcinctus), is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and 
Paraguay, 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 colour 
is a very dark brown-black, from which circumstance it is sometimes called the Black 
il 3D 
