MAMMALIAN LIFE OF THE QUATERNARY. 569 



in tribe to the Megatherium (Sloth tribe), and a dozen or more related 

 to the Armadillo. They number more species than now exist in that 

 part of the continent, and include far larger animals. 



The Edentates — including the Sloth, Armadillo, and allied species 

 — were the most remarkable. The animals of this order are stupid 

 in aspect, and lazy in movement and attitude. 



Megatherium Cuvieri (Xtj-t^). 



The Megatherium (M. Cuvieri Desmarest, Fig. 951) exceeded in 

 size the largest Rhinoceros. The length of one of the skeletons is 

 eighteen feet. Its massy limbs were more like columns for support 

 than like organs of motion. The femur was three times as thick as 

 an Elephant's; the clumsy tibia and fibula were soldered together ; the 

 huge tail was like another hind leg, making a tripod to support the 

 heavy carcass when the animal raised and wielded its great arms ; and 

 the hands terminating the arms were about a yard long, and ended 

 in long claws. The teeth had a grinding surface of triangular ridges, 

 well fitted for powerful mastication. 



A North American Megatherium (M. mirabile L.) has been found 

 in Georgia, at Skiddaway Island, and in South Carolina. 



Megalonyx is another genus of these large Sloth-like animals. Re- 

 mains of species occur over the Pampas, to the Straits of Magellan ; 

 but the first species known was found in Virginia, in Greenbrier 

 County, and was named Megalonyx by Jefferson, in allusion to its 

 large claws (Fig. 952). Its bones have also been found at Big-bone 

 Lick and elsewhere. 



Mylodon is a third genus; and three species have been described, — two from South. 

 and one from North America. The skeleton of one, M. robustus Owen, is eleven feet 

 in length ; and the animal was therefore much larger than the western Buffalo. The 



