210 SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



of the ant-bear is a mixture of gray and brown ; that on 

 the upper parts of the bod}'- and tail is deep brown, mixed 

 with silvery white. A broad black band, bordered on 

 each side with a similar one of a white or light grayish 

 brown colour, commences on the chest, and passes ob- 

 liquely over each shoulder, diminishing gradually as it 

 approaches the loins, where it ends in a point. The 

 sides, arms, and thighs are silvery gray, with a slight 

 mixture of brown, marked with two deep black spots, 

 one on the carpus, and the other on the toes ; the hind 

 legs are almost perfectly black, and the breast and belly 

 of a deep brown, almost equally obscure. 



The following is an abstract of the habits of this 

 animal, as observed by Dr. Schomburgk (see * Zool. 

 Proceedings,' 1839, p. 21): — 



Dr. Schomburgk observes, that at a distance the ant- 

 bear appears to be a much taller animal than it really is, 

 owing to the elongated and nearly erect hair of the mane, 

 and also the erect manner in which it carries its large 

 bushy tail. When walking, the outer portion of the 

 fore-foot is applied to the ground, and the long claws are 

 then doubled inwards. It runs with a peculiar trot, and 

 is not, as has been represented, slow in its movements 

 and easily overtaken ; for when chased, it will keep a 

 horse in canter, and does not tire readily. White ants, 

 or termites, constitute its chief food. When the ant-bear 

 meets with one of the tumuli constructed by the white 

 ants, it immediately pulls the fabric down by means of 

 its large strong claws, and when the ants are thus exposed, 

 its long slender tongue is thrust out to collect them. The 

 movements of the tongue, alternately being protruded and 

 retracted, are so rapid, says Dr. Schomburgk, that it is no 

 longer surj)rising how so large an animal can satiate its 

 appetite with such minute insects. The ant-bear is, 

 however, an economist, and does not destroy more than 

 he wants. When he finds that the termites diminish on 

 the surface, and every one seeks to escape in the nume- 

 rous galleries of the ruined edifice, he uses his left foot 

 to hold some large lumps of the nest, whilst with the 

 right he leisurely pulls them to pieces. 



