48 THE SHORT-TAILED MANIS. 



THE MANIS. 



There are two species of this genus, one with five and 

 the other with four toes on the feet. The latter has 

 likewise a long tail: in other essential characters there 

 is no difference. 



THE SHORT-TAILED MANIS. 



This is the pangolin of Buifon. It is a native of the 

 hottest climates of the Old Continent ; and appears to be 

 better protected by nature from external injury than any 

 other animal whatever. The body, which is about three 

 feet long, is defended by a scaly covering in every part 

 diat is exposed: the scales lie over each other like the 

 leaves of an artichoke ; and are of a horny substance, 

 and externally convex. In the interstices, hairs are per- 

 ceptible ; yellowish towards the roots, and bristly at the 

 extremities. Like the lizard, it has a small head, with- 

 out any teeth ; a long nose, short legs, and a tail of nearly 

 equal length with the body. 



It is said that the scales of a full-grown manis are able 

 to resist a musket bullet. On the approach of danger, 

 it rolls itself up like the hedge-hog ; twisting its tail round 

 it, and presenting the acute edges of its scales to the as- 

 sailant. In vain do the tiger, the leopard, and the hyena, 

 ^tempt to force it ; in vain they tread it under foot, and 

 roll it about with their paws : the manis remains perfectly 

 inviolable under its coat of mail ; while its assailants suf- 

 fer, more or less, for their temerity. The negroes, how- 

 ever, who esteem its flesh a great delicacy, beat it to 

 death with large clubs : against the power of Man, to 

 whom all nature submits, its arms are unavailing ! 



Though thus formidable in appearance, the manis h? 

 naturally a very inoffensive animal ; subsisting chiefly on 

 Insects, which it catches on its long slimy tongue, like 

 the ant-eater. It chiefly inhabits the inaccessible parts 

 of the forest ; and forms for itself a retreat in the cleft of 

 some rock, where it brings forth its young. It is a soli- 



