CHAPTER VI 



ANIMALS WITH ARMOUR 



ARMOURED animals are at all times interesting creatures to 

 study, although some of them must of necessity be observed at a 

 safe distance and under conditions which bode no ill to the 

 onlooker. Indeed, the clothing of animals generally provides a 

 wealth of information worthy of note, and helps one to ascertain 

 some idea of the surroundings frequented and the life that is 

 led. 



When, added to the skin of an animal, an armoured coat is 

 supplied, or the outer covering consists exclusively of weapons 

 of either offence, defence, or both, the interest increases. We find 

 these armoured animals to consist of various kinds, some almost 

 microscopic in size, others of large dimensions. 



There is, for example, the familiar Wood Louse, known by sight 

 to almost every one. It is far better known in the country as the 

 Sow Bug. It is an interesting little creature in many ways, for 

 when its jointed steel-grey coat of mail is rolled up into a ball, 

 the Wood Louse is ably protected from its enemies. 



Then, again, this small member of the Crustacea is a land 

 representative of a number of aquatic Wood Lice, and claims 

 kinship with the Lobsters, Crabs and Shrimps. 



Many kinds of insects are also armoured, and especially the 

 larvae, which bear spines and hairs, and are thus ably protected 

 from their numerous enemies. Some Fish, the common Fresh- 

 Water Perch, of our British waters, for instance, have prickly fins, 

 which have a nasty way of puncturing the skin when handled, and 

 doubtless act as protective designs against natural enemies, whilst 

 other animals including Mammals and Birds have sharp claws 

 and other armoured devices which stand them in good stead. 



If the subject be pursued further and attention devoted to 



92 



