284 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



rule in nature void of its exceptions, and the genus we 

 are now considering, placed among the edentatous animals 

 on account of its want of incisive teeth, presents in one, at 

 least, of its species, an exception to its arrangement in this 

 order. 



We propose availing ourselves rather largely of the in- 

 formation afforded by M. F. Cuvier on the Encoubert, one 

 of the species of this genus, and furnished with incisive 

 teeth, in describing which he refers to other species ; 

 and limiting our other observations rather to generic than 

 specific descriptions. 



The body of these animals is covered with large scales or 

 plates, forming altogether a complete armour, at least on 

 the upper parts, and consisting of four or five different parts 

 or divisions. The head may be said to have a helmet, the 

 shoulders have a buckler, composed of several transverse 

 series of plates. Transverse bands, varying in the different 

 species from three to twelve, which are moveable, cover 

 the body ; the crupper has its buckler similar to that on 

 the shoulders, and the tail is protected by numerous rings. 



The fore-feet have in some five, in others four toes ; the 

 posterior feet have five. The muzzle is more or less 

 pointed. The hairs of the^body are few, springing from 

 between the plates ; the under parts, however, which are 

 without armour, have rather more hairs. 



The plates which compose the bands and the bucklers 

 are articulated only at the commissure of the bands, and are 

 united by symphyses. In a living state, the whole armour 

 is capable of yielding considerably to the motions of the 

 body. 



The skin of the under parts of the body is covered with 

 warts or tubercles, which are indurated towards the feet. 



The tail is in general straight, and incapable of flexure ; 

 the ears vary in length in the different species ; the eyes are 

 small ; the legs are thick and strong, and only long enough 



