310 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



the surface, in the black mould, with considerable inge- 

 nuity. Having selected a spot, defended above by the roots 

 of a large tree, it constructs a cell or chamber, of a globular 

 form, having a diameter of several feet, the sides of which 

 it makes perfectly smooth and regular ; this it provides with 

 a subterraneous conduit or avenue, about six feet in length, 

 the external entrance to which it conceals with twigs and 

 dry leaves. During the day it remains concealed, like a 

 Badger in its hole ; at night it proceeds in search of its 

 food, which consists of insects and their larvae, and of 

 Worms of every kind : it is particularly fond of the Common 

 Lumbrici, or Earth Worms, which abound in the fertile 

 mould. These animals, agreeably to the information of the 

 natives, live in pairs, and the female produces two or three 

 young at a birth. 



'- The motions of the Mydaus are slow, and it is easily 

 taken by the natives, who by no means fear it. During my 

 abode on the Mountain Prahu, I engaged them to procure 

 me individuals for preparation ; and as they received a 

 desirable reward, they brought them to me daily in greater 

 numbers than I could employ. Whenever the natives sur- 

 prise them suddenly, they prepare them for food ; the flesh 

 is then scarcely impregnated with the offensive odour, and 

 is described as very delicious. The animals are generally 

 in excellent condition, as their food abounds in fertile 

 mould. 



"The structure of the teeth affords to the Mydaus but feeble 

 means of defence ; the front teeth in the lower jaw have nearly 

 a horizontal position, and the canine teeth are comparatively 

 small and weak. The animal being slow in its motions, its 

 manner of defence is of a negative nature, and, as in the 

 American Mephitis, consists in preventing the approach of an 

 enemy by an intolerably offensive odour: hence these animals 

 have received the names of Mephitis, Mydaus, Stifling Wea- 



