425 
The bones of the pelvis differ much from those of the neighbouring 
genera. Those of the ilium, which are alone preserved in the skeleton 
at Madrid, form a large and widely-spread half basin, placed perpen- 
dicular to the spine, resembling that of the elephant, and still more 
that of the rhinoceros. From the form of the pelvis, it may be con- 
cluded, that the belly of the animal was large, and hence that its food 
consisted of vegetables. 
The pubis and ischium are wanting in the skeleton ; and, as M. 
Cuvier supposes, were lost : but if, on the contrary, this defect is 
natural, an approach to it will be found in the two-fingered ant-eater, 
in which the bones of the pubis are not united in the fore part. 
The enormous thickness of the thigh-bone has been already noticed. 
The tibia and fibula are united at both ends, and yield together a vast 
surface. But one toe, armed with a claw, is seen in the hind-foot of 
the skeleton. In this respect M. Cuvier thinks there must exist room 
for doubt, since only two others are shown without claws : and his 
anatomical researches have taught him, that it is a rule without, 
hitherto, any known exception, that all the clawed animals have five 
fingers, existing either outwardly or within the skin, or reduced to 
their simple bony rudiments. 
The tail is wanting in the skeleton ; and the smallness of the 
posterior face of the os sacrum gives reason for believing that it was 
very short in this animal. 
From a general view of the skeleton of this animal, so completely 
preserved, we are able to form well-founded conjectures as to the 
nature of the animal itself. 
His teeth, M. Cuvier observes, prove that he lived on vegetables : 
and his fore-feet, robust and armed with sharp claws, point out that 
roots were his chief objects of search. His claws supplied him with 
arms sufficient for his defence. His progress was not swift, nor was 
it requisite that it should be, since he was not under the necessity of 
flying or of pursuing. 
vol. hi. 3 i 
