WITH SCALES OR SHELLS. 227 



these, the bands are placed in different numbers 

 that lap over each other, and give play to the 

 whole. Besides their opening cross-ways, they 

 also open down along the back, so that the ani- 

 mal can move in every direction. In some there 

 are but three of these bands between the large 

 pieces ; in others there are six ; in a third kind 

 there are eight ; in a fourth kind nine ; in a fifth 

 kind twelve ; and, lastly, in the sixth kind there 

 is but one large piece which covers the shoulders, 

 and the rest of the body is covered with bands 

 all down to the tail. These shells are diffe- 

 rently coloured in different kinds, but most 

 usually they are of a dirty grey. This colour 

 in all arises from another peculiar circumstance 

 in their conformation, for the shell itself is co- 

 vered with a softish skin, which is smooth and 

 transparent. 



But although these shells might easily defend 

 this animal from a feeble enemy, yet they could 

 make but a slight resistance against a more power- 

 ful antagonist; nature, therefore, has given the 

 armadillo the same method of protecting itself 

 with the hedgehog or the pangolin. The instant 

 it perceives itself attacked, it withdraws the head 

 under its shells, and lets nothing be seen but the 

 tip of the nose : if the danger increase, the ani- 

 mal's precautions increase in proportion ; it then 

 tucks up its feet under its belly, unites its two 

 extremities together, while the tail seems as a 

 band to strengthen the connexion ; and it thus 

 becomes like a ball, a little flattish on each side. 

 In this position it continues obstinately fixed 



