712 The Naturalist Brazilian Expedition. 
it is probable that its edibility serves a useful purpose in prope 
gating the species; the seeds being heavy would be dissemi 
very slowly by ordinary means; but as it is they are often s 
lowed whole by birds and passed unchanged through the intes- 
speak of several species of foxes, but it is probable that these are 
merely varieties. Armadillos of three kinds are more abundant, 
campos a somewhat dangerous amusement. i 
devour termites, and one frequently sees the mines which the 
armadillos have made in the high conical nests of the insect 
These nests are almost as hard as brick; the bones and muscles 
of the forefeet in the armadillos are specially modified so as to 
secure great strength for digging, and the large claws are used 
like miniature picks in boring the tough clay. The only rodent 
which I have observed is the prid, a small thickset species like 
miniature capivara; it burrows in the ground and eats the seeds 
of campo plants. A small skunk is occasionally seen; 1t 1$ 7 
different from the North American species, and though a 
„ Sesses.the terrible weapon of its family, this is so seldom | ue 
that hunters do not hesitate to capture the animal with th 
hands." ae 
Nearly all the birds appear to be distinct from the forest id 
cies; hawks are particularly abundant, and of many > 
Troops of ostriches (Rhea americana) are occasionally seen, 
in this district they are very wary. When riding over 
we sometimes gave chase to them, but one might sc ai 
to catch a locomotive ; the birds have a very pines F 
they cover the ground amazingly. Though so tear a 
they are not at all afraid of cattle, or of unmoum ees 
quently they are seen feeding among the herds. pe 
sists of seeds, grass, insects and so on; the herdsma 
they also eat snakes, and for this reason their flesh is pat 
eaten, though it is said to be very good. o a 
The Rs is a mere shallow hole scratched im ue ; 
but I han 
i à ; : m 
1 A rabbit and a small rat are also said to inhabit the ¢@ po 
met with them. i 
