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THE STORY OF THE PANGOUH. 



The habits of all the three kinds are similar, although the Malayan species 

 is probably less of a burrower than the others. The Indian pangolin dwells 

 either among the crevices and clefts of rocks, or in burrows of its own con- 

 struction ; such burrows extending tO' a depth of from eight to^ twelve feet 

 below the surface, and ending in a large chamber, which may be as much as 

 six feet in diameter. Here a pair of these animals take up their abode, and in 

 the winter or early spring give birth tO' their young. The young, which are 

 one or twO' in number, are covered with soft scales at birth, which harden on 

 the second day, but it does not appear tO' be ascertained whether they are born 

 blind. When inhabited, the entrance to- the burrow is stopped with earth; 

 and it is rarely that its occupants are seen abroad after sunrise. The food 



THE PANGOLIN. 



consists chiefly of termites ; the pangolin tearing open the nests of these insects 

 with its powerful front claws, and thrusting its long glutinous tongue into 

 their runs. The tongue is rapidly withdrawn with a swarm of the white ants 

 clinging to it. In captivity pangolins will readily eat finely-chopped raw meat, 

 hard-boiled eggs, and rice. Their stomachs have a somewhat gizzard-like 

 structure; and frequently contain a few small pebbles, probably introduced 

 to aid in triturating the food. In captivity pangolins drink freely by rapidly 

 extending and withdrawing the tongue. I doubt whether this habit is natural 

 to them, as they are often foimd in places where there is no water. When 

 irritated, pangolins will give vent to a hissing sound, but at other times they 

 are silent. 



