768 



THE ARMADILLO. 



composed of a number of small plates, joined together, and forming patterns whi< 

 differ in the various species. The whole of the animal, even to the long and tapering 

 tail, is covered with these horny scales, with the exception of the upper part of the 

 legs, which are concealed under the armor of the body, and need no other protection. 

 At and soon afterbirth, the infant Armadillo is quite soft, like parchment, but the skin 

 is marked in a similar manner to that of the adult animal, excepting that the hairs 

 that protrude between the shelly plates are more numerous. 



The common ARMADILLO, or POYOU, is about twenty inches in total length, the tail 

 occupying some six or seven inches. It is very common in Paraguay, but is not easily 

 captured, owing to its remarkable agility, perseverance, and wariness. Encumbered as 

 it appears to be with its load of plate-armor, it runs with such speed that it can 

 hardly be overtaken by a quick-footed man, and if it should contrive to reach its 

 burrow, it can never be got out except by dint of hard work. Its hearing is exquisitely 

 acute, and as during the daytime the creature never ventures very far from its home, 

 it readily evades the attacks of every foe excepting man. 



BAJJERKEIT. Ma a is pentadactyla. 



The natives, to whom time is of little value, employ a long but a sure process of 

 obtaining the Armadillo after it has taken refuge in its home. In order to ascertain 

 whether the animal is at home, they push a stick into the hole, and if a quantity of 

 mosquitoes come buzzing out, it is a sure sign that the tenant is within. It seems very 

 strange that the mosquitoes should attach themselves to an animal so well defended 

 again their attacks, but such is nevertheless the case. Having ascertained the 

 presence of the Armadillo, they push a stick into the hole, and sink a pit so as to catch 

 the end of the stick. The stick is then pushed still farther, and another pit sunk, and 

 so on, until the Armadillo is fairly captured. 



The food of the Armadillo is nearly as varied as that of the swine, for there are few 

 eatable substances, whether vegetable or animal, which the Armadillo will not devour, 

 provided they are not too hard for its little teeth. Various roots, potatoes, and maize 

 are among its articles of vegetable diet, and it also will eat eggs, worms, insects, and 

 small reptiles of every description. Wherever wild cattle are slain, the Armadillo is 

 sure to make its appearance in a short time, for the purpose of devouring the offal which 

 the hunter leaves on the ground. It is not at all particular in taste, and devours the 

 half-putrid remains with great eagerness, becoming quite fat upon the revolting diet. 





