ANIMAL KINGDOM. 87 



seasoning to render it savoury. An exception, notwithstanding, 

 may be made in favour of the Agoutis of our northern valleys. 



Lapa, or Lape {Cavia Paca). — The Lape is not so common 

 as the Agouti, and seems to prefer the high woods in the vicinity 

 of plantations. It lives upon seeds and fruits, is particularly 

 fond of corn, and, in order to get to the ear, brings down the 

 stalk by gnawing it near the roots. Besides its burrow, which 

 it prepares amongst the roots of some large tree or in hollows 

 under ground, the Lape may be said to have also a place of 

 refuge on the margin of a neighbouring ravine or river ; this 

 shelter is, commonly, under the roots of trees forming a sort of 

 vault. When pressed by the dogs the Lape resorts to this 

 stronghold, and, in extremity, to the water itself, from either of 

 which retreats it is sometimes difficult to dislodge it. It has been 

 said that the Lape is amphibious : this is not the case ; for, when 

 apparently under water, though the body is completely hidden, 

 the snout is held above the surface for the purpose of breathing. 

 Though capable of being domesticated, the Lape nevertheless 

 seems always to preserve a strong predilection for the haunts and 

 freedom of the wild forest, to which it soon returns if left at 

 liberty. It may be regarded as one of the richest and most 

 delicate dishes in the shape of game, its flesh partaking of the 

 qualities of veal and pork. 



Edentata. — Cachicame, Armadillo, or Tatou {Dasypus). — 

 The Tatou haunts the high woods, and subsists partly on vege- 

 tables, partly on insects; it burrows, closes the entrance of its 

 burrow with leaves, and ventures out at night. Though not very 

 fleet, the Cachicame is not easily caught by dogs on account of its 

 hard shell. When tastily prepared, it forms a very delicate dish. 



Great Ant-eater, or Mataperro (Mgrmecojphaga tridac- 

 tyla). — It lives in the high woods, sleeping the day out in the 

 hollows of fallen or in the foliage of green trees, and crawls 

 about at night in search of food, in obtaining which it insinuates 

 its long filiform tongue into the nests of ants ; the insects be- 

 coming entangled in the viscid saliva which covers the tongue 

 are then swallowed in a mass ; they also lay their tongue on the 

 track of the Parasol-ants, and devour immense numbers of them. 

 The great Ant-eater moves very slowly, and whenever aware of 

 any danger, quickly throws itself on its back, and, in that 

 posture, awaits the attack of its assailant, which it seizes with its 



