12 TWO-TOED ANT-EATER. 



Great Ant-eater. The name of this, as well as of the 

 other animals of its tribe, has been derived from the 

 food on which it principally subsists. And the mode 

 in which it obtains its food is somewhat singular. 

 After scratching up an ant-hill with its long claws, it 

 unfolds its glutinous and worm-shaped tongue upon 

 it ; and as soon as this is completely covered with the in- 

 sects, the creature suddenly withdraws it and swallows 

 them. This is repeated as often as necessity requires. 

 The tail of the Great Ant-eater is so large and bushy, 

 that it is employed not only to cover the animal whilst 

 asleep, but also, in foul weather, to shelter it from the 

 rain. These quadrupeds usually sleep in the day-time, 

 and stroll about during the night. If attacked by dogs, 

 or even by panthers, they have sufficient strength in their 

 claws to oppose an effectual resistance. They are easily 

 tamed ; and, in this state, will pick up and eat crumbs 

 of bread, and small bits of flesh. The inhabitants, 

 both of South America and Africa, in each of which 

 countries they are found, occasionally eat their flesh ; 

 but, to a European palate, this is exceedingly fetid and 

 ill-flavoured. 



These animals are as large as sheep. They are covered 

 with coarse, brown hair, and have a black curved stripe 

 on each side of the body. The hair on the back forms a 

 sort of mane. The tail is very long and shaggy, On 

 each of the feet there are four large claws. When the 

 animal is at rest, the tongue lies doubled within its 

 mouth. 



Two-toed Ant-eater. In its manner of feeding, this 

 species resembles the last. It walks very slowly, and 

 issues from its concealment only during the night. Its 

 tail, which is thick at the base, tapers towards the end ; 



