412 



ANT-EATERS. 



ground are attacked by the great ant-eater, tlie too great 

 increase of the arborial termites is kept under by three 

 smaller species, formed to live among the branches of the 

 trees. 



The tamandua is seen climbing the loftiest monarchs of the 

 forest in search of its insect prey. It is about the size of a 

 cat. Though its head is elongated, it is considerably less so 

 than that of the ant-bear ; while its hair is short and silky, 

 resembling fine wool. The feet are formed in the same 



manner as those of the larger animal, but, to enable it the 

 better to climb among the branches, it possesses a prehensile 

 tail. 



Though it cannot be said to possess a sweet tooth — as 

 its mouth is as destitute of teeth as that of the tamanoir — 

 yet it does not confine its food to the termites alone, but 

 seeks the nests of the stingless bees, which form their hives 

 among the loftiest branches of the forest, and robs them of 

 their honeyed treasures. 



