216 SKETCH OF THE HISTORY Or MAMMALIA. 



143. — ^Temminck's Manis. 



blunt claws, edging a pad-like sole covered with coarse 

 granular skin, and so protuberant, that the claws do not 

 fairly touch the ground. The ungual phalanges, or last 

 joints of the toes (both of the fore and hind feet), which 

 are sheathed by the claws, are remarkable for being 

 bifurcated at their extremity, a peculiarity found in no 

 other of the Edentata. It is evidently a conformation 

 intended to give the claws a more secure attachment. 



The osseous framework in general is moulded upon the 

 same plan as that of the ant-eaters. Slow in their 

 motions, and unfurnished with weapons of offence, the 

 manis defies the assaults of almost every foe : when 

 attacked, it rolls itself up into a ball, wraps its tail over 

 the head, and raises all its pointed and sharp-edged 

 scales in serried array, and, thus invulnerable, conquers 

 by passive resistance. The food of the manis consists of 

 termites and ants, which it takes in the same manner as 

 the American ant-eaters. It dwells in holes which it 

 burrows out in the ground. 



