NATURAL HISTORT. 
83 
' The armadillo, which is covered with fhclls, 
at the firfl; view, appears a round milhapen 
fnafs, with a longhead and fhort taih Its fiie 
is from one to three feet in length. Thefe 
Ihells which refemble a bony fubftance, co- 
ver the head, neck, fides, rump, and tail. 
This natural defenfive covering, being joint- 
ed, the creature has the power of moving 
beneath its armour, which -relembles a coat of 
mail. 
As thefe {hells are only fufHcient to defend 
the armadillo from a feeble enemy, and not 
equal to the refiflance of a powerful antago- 
nift, nature has furnifhed it with a method 
of enclofing its body within the covert of 
this armour. Thus, like the hedgehog and 
porcupine, it is fecured from danger, with- 
out having recourfe to flight or refiftance, 
and becomes invulnerable while in the midfl 
of danger. 
The H A R E. 
Sis timid and defencelcfs animal is a- 
-i- nother inftance of the bountiful care of 
Providence towards mankind. The hare not 
only fupplies us with a delicacy for our table, 
and a covering for our hands, (the fur being 
manufaitured into hats) but alfo affords us 
one of the moft wholefome of our rural di- 
veffions. 
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