IN CAPTIVITY IN LOWER BENGAL. 167 



layer of sandy earth spread over the brick flooring. It should always 

 have a thick bedding of straw, especially during the winter. 



Food. — Finely minced raw meat and egg with milk constitute a 

 capital diet for this animal. 



Treatment in sickness. 



After having lived for about a year in this garden, the animal 

 became subject to diarrhoea, which, although for the time yielded to 

 aromatic powder of chalk administered with milk, was never altogether 

 cured; after death somewhat deep ulceration was found in each hind 

 foot. 



Observations on its habits. 



It rested or lay asleep during the greater part of the day, envelop- 

 ing its body with its bushy tail while at repose, and generally became 

 active towards evening. 



(226) THE SIX-BANDED ARMADILLO. 

 (DASYPUS SEXCINCTTXS— Zinn.) 



Description. — The chief characteristic of this species is the presence 

 of a hard bony covering which protects the upper surface of the body, 

 overhanging each side, and forming chambers into which the limbs are 

 withdrawn ; the top of the head is also protected by a shield, and the tail 

 has a covering of bony plates ; the exposed surface of the limbs is covered 

 by bony scales ; the inner surface of the limbs and the under surface 

 of the body have no covering and are clothed with hair. 



Hab. — South America. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 A specimen has been living since 1879. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — This specimen has thrived remarkably in a cage 10 feet 

 by 5 feet with thickly sanded brick floor, and placed under a small 

 shed well sheltered by a clump of bamboos. The place is dry, shady 

 and retired. There is a box for the animal's shelter during the day. 



Food. — Finely minced meat raw or boiled ; generally the former. 



Observations on its habits. 



It sleeps the whole day, generally inside the box, but sometimes 

 outside. It has been repeatedly observed to sleep on its back, and so 

 soundly as not to move until touched. 



(227) THE HIMALAYAN ANT-EATER. 



(MANIS AUJRITA-i?o^.) 



Hab. — Inhabits the slopes of the Himalayas, ascending to five or 

 six thousand feet, and extending to China and Burmah. 



