192 



SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



120.— Peba. 



Brazil, and Paraguay, and is timid_and nocturnal ; it is 

 .olerably rapid in its movements, and very expert in 

 burrowing. 



It is never found in vioods, but frequents the open and 

 XJultivated plains, and is much hunted by the inhabitants 

 on account of its flesh, which, when roasted in the shell, 

 is said to be extremely delicate, resembling that of a 

 sucking-pig. 



The length of the head and body is about sixteen 

 inches ; of the tail, which is slender and tapering, four- 

 teen inches. The muzzle is greatly elongated, straight 

 and pointed ; the ears are rather large and the eyes small ; 

 the tongue long, narrow, pointed, and extensible. The 

 general colour of the shell is dusky black. 



