HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE ANT-EATER. 

 (Myrmecophaga Jnbata, Einn. La Tamanoir, Buff. 



THERE are several animals distinguished by the 

 common name of Ant-Eaters, which differ greatly 

 in form. They are divided into three classes, viz., 

 the Great, the Middle, and the Eesser Ant-Eater. 



The GREAT ANT-EATER is nearly four feet in 

 length, exclusive of its tail, which is two and a half. 

 It is remarkable for the great length of its snout, 

 which is of a cylindrical form, and serves as a 

 sheath to its long and slender tongue, \vhich always 

 lies folded double in its mouth, and is the chief in- 

 strument by which it finds subsistence. 



This creature is a native of Brazil and Guiana, 

 runs slowly, frequently swims over rivers, lives 

 wholly on Ants, which it collects by thrusting its 

 tongue into their holes, and having penetrated 

 every part of the nest, withdraws it into its mouth 

 loaded with prey. 



