THE AMAZON DISTRICT. 
453 
Tamandua tetradadylus ? The smaller Prehensile- 
tailed Anteater. — This animal is entirely arboreal, feed- 
ing on the tree termites ; it has no nest, and sleeps in 
a fork of a tree with its head bent under its body. 
CydotJmrus didadylus. Tamanduai, L. G. The small 
Silky -haired Anteater, — is arboreal, and rather abundant. 
There is another species much smaller, and as white as 
cotton ; but it is rare, and I never met with it. 
Friodonta giyas ? Tatuassu, L. G. The great Arma- 
dillo. — Rather scarce. 
Tatusia sejotemcindus ? Tatu, L. G. — This and ano- 
ther very small species are the most abundant in the 
Amazon district, but can seldom be procured except by 
hunting with dogs. All the kinds are eaten, and their 
flesh is very white and delicate. 
DidelpMs . Opossum. Mucura, L. G. — Se- 
veral species are found. They frequent the neighbour- 
hood of houses, and attack poultry. The young are 
carried in an abdominal pouch, like the kangaroos, and 
have their little prehensile tails twisted round that of the 
mother. 
Hydrodicerus capyhara. Capywara, L. G. — This ani- 
mal is found on all the river-banks. It feeds on grass, 
and takes to the water and dives when pursued. It is 
sometimes eaten, but is not considered very good. 
Coelogenis paca. Paca, L. G. — This animal is gene- 
rally abundant. It is nocturnal, and is much esteemed 
for its meat, which is the very best the country produces, ' 
being fat, delicate, and very tender. 
Fasyproda nigricans^ Natt. Black Agouti. Cotia, 
L. G.— This species is found on the Rio Negro. 
