MIDDLE ANT-EATER, 
come forth and swarm upon it in great numbers* 
but wherever they touch* they stick ; for this 
instrument is covered with a slimy fluid* which* 
like bird-lime* entangles every creature that lights 
upon it. When* therefore* the ant-eater has found 
a sufficient number for one morsel* it instantly 
draw s in the tongue* and devours them all in a mo- 
ment ; after w hich it still continues in its position* 
practising the same arts until its hunger is entirely 
appeased ; it then retires to its hiding-place once 
more* where it continues in indolent existence* till 
&gain excited by the calls of hunger. 
Such is the luxurious life of a creature* that 
seems of almost all others the most helpless and de- 
formed. It finds safety in its hiding-places from 
its enemies* and an ample supply in some neigh- 
bouring ant-hill for all its appetites. As it only 
tries to avoid its pursuers* it is seldom discovered 
by them ; yet helpless as this animal is* when 
driven to an extremity* though without teeth, 
it will fight with its claws with great obstinacy. 
With these arms alone* it has often been found to 
oppose the dog* and even the jaguar. It throws 
itself upon its back* fastens upon its enemy with 
all its claws* sticks with great strength and per- 
severance* and even after killing its invader* which 
is sometimes the case* does not quit its hold* but 
remains fastened upon it with vindictive despera- 
tion. It sleeps in the day* and preys by night. 
Its flesh has a strong disagreeable taste ; but it is 
eaten by the Indians. 
Middle ant-eater 
Has a long slender nose* bending a little down ; 
small black mouth and eyes ; and small upright 
ears. The bottoms of its fore feet are round, 
$pth four strong claws on each ; the hind feet have 
