2:i 



" The young Ant-bear was quite wild at first, and sought for some 

 dark comer in the room in wliicli it was confined, in order to hide 

 itself. When we approached it, it put itself immediately in defence 

 like the adult ones, and struck out with its right paw, emitting at the 

 same time a growl like that of an incensed puppy. After a few 

 days, however, it became accustomed to its situation, and an In- 

 dian woman took upon her to feed it with milk and Cassada, and 

 sometimes with White Ants. It soon showed great attachment to 

 her, and followed her like a dog 



" It appeared to be of a verj^ cold nature ; not only the extremities, 

 but the whole body felt cold to the touch, although we kept it 

 trapped up in a blanket. It preferred, however, to be nestled, and 

 to be taken up, and on putting it down it emitted a whining but 

 not unpleasant sound ; when it did not succeed in attracting atten- 

 tion, and was not taken up again, the whining sound was raised to 

 a harsh and grating noise. In following a person, it directed its 

 course more by the smell than by sight, and carried its snout 

 close to the ground. If it found itself at fault, it wheeled round 

 at right angles upon the hind legs, and snufiTed the air in all 

 directions, until it found the right scent again. Of the dimness 

 of its sight we had various proofs ; it hurt itself frequently against 

 objects that stood in its way, not observing them until it came in 

 contact with them. Its power of smelling was exquisite, and it could 

 discover its nurse, or any person to whom it had taken a liking, at a 

 considerable distance. Upon these occasions it would immediately 

 commence the whining sound so peculiar to this animal. It was an 

 expert climber; it happened that I was one of its favourites, and 

 whilst writing on my table it used to come softly behind me, and as 

 soon as it was sure it had found me out, it climbed up my legs 

 with great dexterity. Out of amusement we would frequently hold 

 up its blanket, and it climbed up its whole length. 



" When the Indian woman was not present, or was otherwise oc- 

 cupied, and did not pet the young Ant-bear, she used to throw 

 some of the clothes she had worn, or her own blanket before it, iix 

 which it wrapped itself, and was pacified. This effect could not be 

 produced by any other person's clothes. It showed its attachment 

 by licking, and was very gentle and even sportive ; we all prized it 

 highly. It slept a great deal. We had it for nearly two months, 

 and as it began to feed itself we had great hopes of rearing it ; un- 

 fortunately we were unable to procure milk, and whether in conse- 

 quence of the change of food, or some other cause, it gradually de- 

 clined. I found it sometimes as cold as ice, and stiff, and although 

 I recovered it repeatedly, it died one day during my absence. 



" Its place had been meanwhile restored by an adult specimen, 

 likewise a female. I shall never forget the interesting sight which 

 this individual presented. Some of the Indians belonging to my 

 party, whom I had despatched in quest of game, met it on the Sa- 

 vannahs, and wisely attempted to drive it towards San Joaquim 

 without wounding it. My attention was first attracted by an im- 

 mense hue and cry from the persons about the fort, and upon step- 



