48G 



THE TROPICAL WORLD. 



Besides several species of manides, Africa possesses a peculiar 

 class of ant-eaters in the Aard varks, or Earth-hogs {Orycteropi), 

 thus called from their extraordinary powers of excavation 

 and their fancied resemblance to small short-legged pigs. 

 Such is the strength of their prodigious claws that they 

 easily tear to pieces the clay-built domes of the termites ; 

 which, though so solid as to be capable of bearing the weight 



AAUU VAliK. 



of many men on their summits, are unable to resist the de- 

 structive labours of the Aard vark. Towards evening the animal 

 issues from its burrow, and roaming over the plains, searches 

 for an ant-hill in full operation. A breach is soon made in the 

 strong walls of the citadel, and as the unfortimate termites run 

 hither and thither in consternation, like the inmates of a 

 beleaguered city whose ramparts are crumbling under the 



