THE AARD VAHK. 



65 



tbough they are frequently employed for that purpose ; but they 

 are designed for labors far more arduous. By means of these im- 

 plements, the Aard Vark tears to pieces the enormous ant-hills 

 which stud the plains of Southern Africa — edifices so strongly 

 n^ade as- to resemble stone rather than mud, and capable of bear- 

 ing the weight of many men on their summits. These marvelous 

 dwellings (of which we shall see something in a future page) are 

 absolutely swarming with inmates ; and it is for the purpose of 

 feeding upon the tiny builders that the Aard Vark plies its de- 

 structive labors. 



Toward evening the Aard Vark issues from the burrow where- 

 in it has lain asleep during the day, proceeds to the plains, and 

 searches for an ant-hill in full operation. With its powerful 

 claws it tears a hole in the side of the hill, breaking up the stony 



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