128 THE PANGOLIN. 



ture sometimes combines these destructive character- 

 istics, and refuses to be directed by general laws. 



THE PANGOLIN. 



The pangolin, which has usually been called the 

 scaly lizard, is doubtless an animal of a distinct race ; 

 for the lizard is known to be the produce of an egg, 

 whilst the pangolin, like other quadrupeds, comes alive 

 into the world. The lizard is entirely covered with 

 scales ; the pangolin has none either on the breast, 

 belly, or throat ; and, like the porcupine, is able to 

 erect those weapons which Nature has bestowed to re- 

 pel its foes. 



The pangolin is a native of the old continent, and ex- 

 ists only in a torrid clime; it is between three and four 

 feet in length, or from six to eight including the tail ; 

 the head, like the lizard's, is very small; the neck 

 thick, and the body long ; it has no teeth ; but on each 

 of its short legs it is armed with five very long claws : 

 the scales of this singular animal vary in their size, and 

 are stuck upon the body somewhat like the artichoke 

 leaves ; the largest of them are three inches wide, and 

 not less than two in length. Thus, defended against 

 the force of its enemies, it is enabled to repel all their 

 attacks ; for it rolls itself round in the manner of the 

 bedge-hog, and presents to its antagonists its flinty 

 scales : in vain the most furious invaders of the forest 

 endeavour to penetrate the armour bestowed for its de- 

 fence ; is resists the force of every antagonist, and has 

 only reason to dread the attacks of man. The African 

 Negroes, by the power of perseverance, heat it to pieces 

 with immense clubs, considering its flesh as the greatest 

 delicacy which their country is able to produce. 



