384 



THE STORY OF THE AARD-VARK. 



The aard-varks feed exclusively on termites and ants. In South Africa 

 their deep burrows are generally constructed in the neighborhood of the tall 

 mounds formed by the termites; and, in the old days, before these animals 

 were hunted for their skins, it used to be said that wherever termite-hiils were 

 numerous, there an aard-vark might confidently be expected. Wherever these 

 animals are abundant, a number of half-formed holes are seen in the ground 

 and on the sides of the ant-hills, which have been commenced and abandoned. 

 Aard-varks usually spend the whole of the day asleep in their burrows, but 



'I I m?^ 



THE AARD-VARK AND ITS HABITS. 



may occasionally be seen abroad in the early morning. In digging, they work 

 with their fore-feet, and throw out huge clods of earth between their hind-legs. 

 But little definitely is known as to their breeding-habits, although it has been 

 ascertained that the Ethiopian species gives birth during May or June to a 

 single offspring. At birth the young is naked and flesh-colored ; and is suckled 

 by its parent for a long period. 



