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THE STORY OF THE AARD-VARK. 
The aard-varks feed exclusively on termites and ants. In South Africa 
their deep burrows are generally constructed in the neighborhood of the tall 
mounds formed by the termites; and, in the old days, before these animals 
were hunted for their skins, it used to' be said that wherever termite-hills were 
numerous, there an aard-vark might confidently be expected. Wherever these 
animals are abundant, a number of half-formed holes are seen in the ground 
and on the sides of the ant-hills, which have been commenced and abandoned. 
Aard-varks usually spend the whole of the day asleep in their burrows, but 
THE AARD-VARK AND ITS HABITS. 
may occasionally be seen abroad in the early morning. In digging, they work 
with their fore-feet, and throw out huge clods of earth between their hind-legs. 
But little definitely is known as to their breeding-habits, although it has been 
ascertained that the Ethiopian species gives birth during May or June to a 
single offspring. At birth the young is naked and flesh-colored; and is suckled 
by its parent for a long period. 
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