THE PICHICIAGO, 



201 



tached." The extremity of the tail is formed like a paddle. 

 (Fig. 126.) '* The whole surface of the body and under- 

 side of the shield are covered with fine silk-like hair (of 

 a delicate straw colour), longer and finer than that of 

 the mole, but not so thick. The anterior of the chest is 

 large, full, and strong; the anterior extremities short, 

 clumsy, and powerful." The hand, which is amazingly 

 thick and compact, is furnished with five powerful but 

 compressed nails, which, arranged together in their na- 

 tural situation, constitute one of the most efficient scrapers 

 or shovels which can be possibly imagined ; and ex- 

 pressly adapted for progression underground, but in an 

 equal ratio ill fitted for celerity on the surface. The 

 hind-legs are comparatively weak, the feet being long 

 and plantigrade, the toes being furnished with small flat- 

 tened nails. (Fig. 126.) Sight is but a secondary sense 

 as regards its importance in the economy of an animal 

 living in darkness beneath the ground. The organs of 

 vision, therefore, are very minute, and buried in the silky 

 fur by which the circular orifices of the ears are com- 



126. — Pichiciago. 



