ANOTHER ARMOR-PLATED MAMMAL 



181 



of the wonders of the living world, — absolutely toothless, 

 dwelling upon the earth, surrounded by savage and merci- 

 less enemies, but safe in the protection of a complete suit of 

 plate armor and of powerful claws for digging. There are 

 about seven species in this Family, scattered all the way from 

 China and Borneo to South Africa, excepting the break in 

 the chain caused bv the deserts 

 of North Africa and Arabia. 

 Of the three African species, 

 two are distinguished by the 

 extreme length of their tails, 

 and one by its great size, six 

 feet in length, which entitles it 

 to the name Giant Pangolin. 



The Indian Pangolin, or 

 Manis, 1 of Ceylon and India, 

 generally in the lowland for- 

 ests, may be chosen as the rep- 

 resentative of this Family. My first feeling toward it is 

 that of friendship and gratitude, for in the jungles of Ceylon 

 a living specimen once furnished me entertainment, anxiety 

 and sustenance. 



My first Manis was brought by a native, who carried it 

 in a bag over thirty-five hot and dusty miles. While in tran- 

 sit on man-back, the animal kept himself comfortably coiled, 

 but when set free upon the ground he promptly uncoiled and 

 stood up for inspection. lie was 3G inches long, including the 

 tail, which measured 17 inches, and his weight was 18 pounds. 



1 Man' is pcnt-a-dac'ty-la. 



AN INDIAN PANGOLIN, ROLLED 

 UP. 



