THE PICHICIAGO. 



59 



general habits somewhat resembles that animal. The shape of 

 its body sufficiently indicates its burrowing propensities, and the 

 view of the skeleton confirms the aspect of its outward form. 

 The bones of the fore legs are short, thick, and arched in that 

 manner which is so indicative of great muscular power, and even 

 those of the hind legs are remarkably strong in proportion to the 

 size of the animal. The fore paws are enormously large, palm- 

 shaped, and furnished with five strong, curved, and compressed 

 claws, so as to form admirable digging instruments. The snout 

 is rather long and pointed, and, as in the mole, the eyes are very 

 small, and hidden under the soft dense fur. 



It is a native of Chili, and seems to be of rare occurrence, 

 though it may probably be more plentiful than is generally 

 imagined, its subterranean habits and timid nature seldom per- 

 mitting it to be seen. Like the mole, it lives beneath the earth, 

 scooping out long galleries in the soil, and probably feeding 

 upon insects like the rest of the edentate animals. 



Pichiciago. 



The chief point of interest which strikes an observer, when 

 looking at a Pichiciago, is the cuirass with which its body is de- 



