PACHYDEUMES. 
95 
undergrowth in these vast vegetable nurseries. In 
disposition they are rather timid and inoffensive, 
but when roused to attack or defend, possess the 
most revengeful temper, and rush to the onset 
with blinded fury. They are for the most part 
gregarious. 
In form these animals are very bulky ; unwieldy 
and clumsy in their proportions, yet possessing 
immense strength, and an activity beyond what 
would be supposed ; and their pace, when they 
have fairly commenced it, from the length of 
stride, and the great propelling weight of their 
bodies, is for a time very rapid, and bears before 
it all ordinary obstacles, clearing a way through 
the thickest and most matted underwood. Their 
physiognomy is rather dull and inexpressive, 
partly occasioned by the peculiarity of the eye, 
which is, comparatively, remarkably small , piggish 
in appearance, and wanting in animation. When 
enraged, however, there is a degree of inexpres- 
sible ferocity and malevolence contained in their 
look, which is completely intelligible. Their skin 
is of great thickness, defending them from the 
attacks of insects, which would prove intolerable 
over so large a surface, and resisting the sharp 
spines of the brush, and staked points which they 
are liable to encounter in their path through the 
forests. It is often distributed in folds so strong 
as to resist the force of a leaden musket bullet, 
