Cfilami/phorus truncatvs, 163 



6ii animal combining in its external configuration a mechanical 

 arratigement of parts which characterizes, respectively, the arma- 

 dillo, the sloth, and the mole ; constituting in themselves, indivi- 

 dually and separately, of all other quadrupeds, those which offer 

 the most remarkable anatomical characters. Pursuing the in- 

 vestigation step by step, with the skeletons of the above-named 

 animals before me, it was not until after I had completely finished 

 every point of observation, that I perceived in the skull alone, of 

 the new animal, a reunion, more or less complete, of all those 

 remarkable traits that an external view of the animal had oflFered 

 for contemplation ; which, taken collectively, furnishes us with 

 an example of organic structure, if not unparalleled, at least not 

 surpassed in the history of animals. 



The most peculiar and unique characters consist, — First, In the 

 general contour of the animal. Secondly, In the form, texture, 

 and disposition of its scaly cloak, which would very much confine 

 the power of flexion and extension of the body, and nearly al- 

 together impede lateral motion ; the greatest freedom of motion 

 would consist in the extension of the head on the body. Third- 

 ly, In the position of the organs of generation. Fourthly, In the 

 form, structure, position, and use of the tail. Fifthly, In the 

 peculiar and complicated structure of the feet and claws. Sixth- 

 ly, In the structure of the organ of hearing. Seventhly, In the 

 bony protuberances on the os frontis. Eighthly, In the disposition 

 of the teeth; and Ninthly, In the form of the lower jaw, which 

 separates the animal, in this respect, from the order Edentata^ 

 and approximates it to the Ruminantia and Pachydermata. 



I, 2 



