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THE STORY OF THE PANGOLIN . 
The habits of all the three kinds are similar, although the Malayan species 
is probably less of a burrower than the others. The Indian pangolin dwells 
either among the crevices and clefts of rocks, or in burrows of its own con¬ 
struction; such burrows extending to a depth of from eight to twelve feet 
below the surface, and ending in a large chamber, which may be as much as 
six feet in diameter. Here a pair of these animals take up their abode, and in 
the winter or early spring give birth to their young. The young, which are 
one or two in number, are covered with soft scales at birth, which harden on 
the second day, but it does not appear to be ascertained whether they are born 
blind. When inhabited, the entrance to> the burrow is stopped with earth; 
and it is rarely that its occupants are seen abroad after sunrise. The food 
THE PANGOLIN. 
consists chiefly of termites; the pangolin tearing open the nests of these insects 
with its powerful front claws, and thrusting its long glutinous tongue into 
their runs. The tongue is rapidly withdrawn with a swarm of the white ants 
clinging to it. In captivity pangolins will readily eat finely-chopped raw meat, 
hard-boiled eggs, and rice. Their stomachs have a somewhat gizzard-like 
structure; and frequently contain a few small pebbles, probably introduced 
to aid in triturating the food. In captivity pangolins drink freely by rapidly 
extending and withdrawing the tongue. I doubt whether this habit is natural 
to them, as they are often found in places where there is no' water. When 
irritated, pangolins will give vent to* a hissing sound, but at other times they 
are silent. 
