HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 499 



Its legs are so strong, that few animals can ex- 

 tricate themselves from its gripe. It is said to be 

 formidable even to the Panthers of America ; and 

 sometimes fixes itself upon them in such a manner, 

 that both of them fall and perish together ; for its 

 obstinacy is so great, that it will not extricate itself 

 from its adversary even after he is dead. 



The flesh has a strong disagreeable taste, but is 

 eaten by the Indians. 



The MIDDLE ANT-EATER is one foot seven inches 

 from nose to tail. It inhabits the same countries, 

 and procures its food in the same manner, as the 

 last. Its tail is ten inches long, with which it se- 

 cures its hold in climbing trees by twisting it round 

 the branches. 



Both these animals have four strong claws on the 

 fore feet, and five on the hind. 



The LESSER ANT-EATER has a sharp-pointed 

 nose, inclining a little downward : its ears are 

 small, and hid in the fur : -it has two strong hooked 

 claws on the fore feet, the outward one being much 

 the largest ; and four on the hind feet : its fur is 

 long, soft, and silky, of a yellowish brown colour : 

 its length from nose to tail, is seven inches and a 

 half; tail, above eight, thick at the base, and taper 

 to the end. It inhabits Guiana ; climbs trees in 

 quest of a species of Ants which build their nests 

 among the branches. 



Animals of this kind are found in Ceylon and the 

 Cape of Good Hope. Kolben describes the latter 

 as having long heads and tongues ; that they feed 

 on Ants; and are so strong, that if they fasten their 

 claws in the ground, they cannot easily be pulled 

 away. It is called in Ceylon the Talgoi, or Ant- 

 Sear. 



