OP QUADRUPEDS. 
77 
ARMADILLO. 
Under the general name of Armadillo, we 
may reckon several species, which seem to us 
really distinct; in all of which, the animal 
js protected by a crust that resembles bone. 
This crust externally covers the head, the 
neck, the back, the flanks, the buttocks, and 
the tail to the very extremity. This crust, 
however, is not of one piece, like that of the 
turtle: it consists of several joined to each 
other by ns many membranes, which put 
this armour in motion. The number of these 
natural bands does not depend on the age of 
the animal ; for the young Armadillo and the 
adults, have, in the same species, the same 
number. 
These animals arc fat, and very prolific. 
■I he female brings forth, as is reported, four 
young ones every month, which makes their 
species very numerous. 
