THE TROPICAL ZONE. 251 



One characteristic of Brazil (which, though not a bo- 

 tanical one, we must not omit to mention) we often observe 

 while passing over an upland campo, in the neighbourhood 

 of some of those large clay nests of the white ant so often 

 to be met with in these situations, namely the great ant- 

 eater, whose operations we cannot refrain from watching, 

 although at a respectful distance. We feel tolerably sure 

 indeed that he would consider us beneath his notice, but 

 still we have no wish to venture too near such a formidable- 

 looking individual ; though even should he take a fancy to 

 follow us, we are certain we could beat him in a race, as he 

 "runs very slowly, owing to the peculiar formation of his 

 fore feet, two of the claws, which are very large, being 

 doubled up when he walks or runs, so as to cause one side 

 of the foot to rest on the ground/' These claws however 

 are most useful tools to him in scratching an opening in 

 the side of an ant- hillock, through which he thrusts his 

 long, slender, slimy tongue, and then draws it back again 

 within his little mouth, covered with myriads of ants. What 

 a contrast to his captive brother in Regent's Park, reduced 

 to dining on the white of eggs, and altogether deprived of 

 the agreeable excitement of using his own claws in making 

 preparations for dinner ! 



