294 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



like the Fox and the Badger of a cowardly nature, slinking away 

 when observed above ground in double-quick time. In its general 

 carriage it is certainly Hyasna-like, and whilst its food consists of 

 somewhat the same kind, i. e. carrion, it also has a liking for ter- 

 mites, which it is able to unearth from their strongholds by means 

 of its strong claws. 



CAPE ANT BEAR, OE AARD VARK Before leaving Africa 

 acquaintance may be made with still another remarkable beast 

 found there in the person of the Aard Vark (Fig. 231). This curious- 

 looking animal is in no way related to the species last under review, 

 being, as a matter of fact, first cousin to the Great Ant-Eater next 

 to be described. The large pointed ears, tapering snout and tail, 

 and stumpy legs will at once arrest attention, and in several ways, 

 particularly in regard to the long viscid tongue, the Aard Vark 

 strikingly displays its relationship to the Ant-Eaters. The body, 

 however, is quite unlike that of the last-named, for instead of being 

 profusely clothed it is scantily covered with hair. Small wonder 

 then that the Boers call this creature the Earth Pig, for Pig-like it 

 most certainly is at a casual glance, and even on further investiga- 

 tion there is a kinship deserving of notice. It is, for example, very 

 fond of both grubbing and burrowing, in which it is largely aided 

 by the pointed snout, and Mr. Protheroe says that "to complete the 

 appropriateness of the name, it may be mentioned that the hind- 

 quarters of the animal are cured in the same manner as hams, and 

 are almost, if not quite, equally esteemed." 



Unlike Pigs, however, this African beast possesses much greater 

 burrowing powers, and experiences little, if any, difficulty in hiding 

 its whole body below ground. During the heat of the day the 

 Aard Vark remains concealed in its burrowSj and being nocturnal 

 in habits, as well as of a shy disposition, it is only observed with 

 great difficulty. It feeds upon termites. Only one young is born, 

 and this keeps company with the parents until its babyhood is well 

 advanced and the youngster is able to secure provender on its 

 own account. 



GREAT ANT-EATER. In South America, whither we have gone 

 in search of a number of interesting animals, the Great Ant-Eater 

 (Fig. 232) is found, but opportunities are sometimes presented of 

 seeing this beast in Zoological Gardens, where its massive and 

 remarkable body is sure to elicit admiration. A fine, bulky fellow 

 this, with tapering snout, long tongue, strong legs, well-haired body 



