54 



MAMMALOGY. 



" Its appearance is very nearly tbut which would be presented by a 

 rabbit with a long tail. It forms burrows, which are frequently also 

 tenanted by a species of burrowing owl. Though here commonly 

 called ' viscacha,' it is entirely difl'erent from the animal bearing the 

 same name on the plains of Buenos Ayres." 



5. Genus DASYPUS, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, p. 53 (1766). 

 1. Dasypus minutus, Desmarest. — The Patagonian Armadillo. 

 Dasi/pus 7ninntus, Desm. Mamm. p. 371 (1820). 



From notes in Dr. Pickering's journal, made at the Rio Negro, 

 Patagonia, we introduce the following relating to this species : 



" An armadillo is abundant, and is apparently the ' Tatou-pichy' of 

 Azara. Several specimens have been brought on board, which buried 

 themselves in a cask of sand with great facility. They proved to be 

 exceedingly quarrelsome, and fought each other almost incessantly, 

 presenting in their battles some very peculiar and quite ludicrous 

 features. The one likely to be overcome, rolled himself up as a last 

 resort, and waited quietly until the victor desisted. They inflicted no 

 inconsiderable wounds with the nails of the fore feet, directing their 

 exertions to the skin between the dorsal bands, and endeavoring to 

 bite each other's ears. At other times they were more peaceable, 

 making no attempt to bite, and on the floor were rather disposed to 

 be inactive. 



" These animals devoured meat with some voracity, masticating it 

 apparently very effectually, and Jai^ped water with the tongue, which 

 is rather the contrary of Azara's observation. Another larger species 

 was mentioned by residents, but not seen during the stay of the Expe- 

 dition." 



