500 



HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE GREAT MANIS. 



(Mam's Pcnhdactyla, Linn. Lc Pangolin, Buff.) 



THIS singular creature is defended by a coat of 

 mail, which protects it from the attacks of the most 

 powerful animals. All the upper parts of its body 

 are closely covered with scales of different sizes, 

 which it can erect at pleasure, opposing to its 

 adversary a formidable row of offensive weapons. 

 The Tiger, the Panther, or the Leopard in vain 

 attempt to force it. The moment it perceives the 

 approach of an enemy, it rolls itself up like a 

 Hedge-Hog, and by that means secures all the 

 weaker parts of its body. 



It is a native of the Indian isles, and is said like- 

 wise to be found in Guinea. 



It is slow in its motions; grows to the length of 

 eight feet, including its tail, which is four. 



Its flesh is much esteemed for its delicacy ; but it 

 is difficult to procure, as the animal avoids man- 

 kind, and lives in obscure retreats, in woods, and 

 marshy places. 



