180 



NATURAL HISTORY. 



then it pulled out, with its nippers, the nymphse from the nest, and began to eat them with the greatest 

 eagerness, sitting in the posture of a Squirrel. I showed this phenomenon to many of the inhabitants, 

 who all assured me that it was the first time they had ever known that species of animal take any 

 nourishment. The Ants which I tried it with were the large white termites upon which fowls are fed 

 here. As the natural history of this pretty little animal is not much known, I thought of trying 

 if they would breed in a cage ; but when I returned from my excursion into the country I found 

 them both dead, perhaps occasioned by the trouble given to procure the Wasps' nest for them, though 

 they are here very plentiful; wherefore I can give no further description of them, than that they slept 



TWO-TOED ANT-EATER. 



all the day long, curled together, and fastened by their prehensile tails to one of the perches of the 

 cage. When touched they erected themselves on their hind legs, and struck with the fore-paws at the 

 object which disturbed them, like the hammer of a clock striking the bell, with both paws at the same 

 time, and with a great deal of strength. They never attempted to run away, but were always ready 

 for defence when attacked. As soon as evening came, they awoke, and with the greatest activity 

 walked on the wire of the cage, though they never jumped, nor did I ever hear their voice." 



All these Ant-eaters have great glands (sub-maxillary) for the purpose of secreting the sticky 

 saliva, and the tongue is most movable, and wriggles like an eel in feeding on milk. The Little 

 Ant-eater has a rete mirabile of blood-vessels. 



Another Cyclothurus lives in Costa Rica, which is golden-yellow in colour, and silky in its hair. 

 It has a broad black stripe on the back. 



