MEGATHERIUM. 159 
Feet and legs thus heavily constructed, must 
have been very inefficient organs of rapid loco- 
motion, and may consequently seem imperfect, 
if considered in relation to the ordinary func- 
tions of other quadrupeds ; but, viewed as in- 
struments adapted for supporting an almost sta- 
tionary creature, of unusual weight, they claim 
our admiration equally with every other piece of 
animal mechanism, when its end and uses are 
understood. The perfection of any instrument 
can only be appreciated by looking to the work 
it is intended to perform. The hammer and 
anvil of an anchorsmith, though massive, are 
neither clumsy nor imperfect ; but bear the same 
proportionate relation to the work in which they 
are employed, as the light and fine tools of the 
watchmaker bear to the more delicate wheels of 
his chronometer. 
Sony Armou7\ 
Another remarkable character of the Mega- 
therium, in which it approaches most nearly io 
the Armadillo, and Chlamyphorus, consists, in 
its hide having probably been covered with a 
bony coat of armour ; varying from three-fourths 
of an inch, to an inch and half in thickness, and 
rially in form and proportions, from the three more elongated 
and flatter claw-bones of the fore-foot, the oblique form of which 
is peculiarly adapted for digging. 
