d otherwise contaminate the
atmosphere. They are furnished with incalculable powers of increase,
and, to prevent their too great excess, other animals have been created
to prey on them. The chief creature engaged in that work is this most
extraordinary denizen of the forest--the ant-bear, or great ant-eater
(Myrmecophaga jubata), called also the tamanoir. It often measures,
from the tip of its snout to the extremity of its tail, eight feet; and
though it seems wonderful that so large an animal should be able to
subsist solely on such minute insects, yet, from the formation of its
mouth, it is unable to consume any other. It has a long slender head,
with a pointed snout; and its mouth, entirely destitute of teeth, is
furnished with a long flexible tongue, covered with a glutinous saliva.
This it passes lightly over the swarms of ants which rush out when it
attacks their dwelling, and they, adhering to it, are speedily dragged
into its maw.

Its body is covered with long, coarse, shaggy hair, except on the head,
where it is short and close; while its black bushy tail is of great size
and length. It is plantigrade--that is, it stands lower on the
hind-legs than in front. Though its mouth appears so incapable of
enabling it to defend itself, it can do so effectually with the two
long, sharp claws of its fore-feet. With these claws it opens the
ant-hills, on whose inhabitants it subsists. Its hind-feet have five
toes, but they are furnished with short, weak claws, similar to those of
ordinary quadrupeds.

Its favourite resort is the low swampy marshes of the rivers and
stagnant pools; but it also ranges widely in search of its prey. It
lives in solitude; its habits are slothful; it sleeps during the greater
part of the day. Its long claws, when not employed, are folded upon a
thick rough pad, which renders the exertion of walking less difficult.
As, however, it is compelled to step upon the outer edge of its
fore-feet, it progresses in an awkward and painful manner, and it cannot
move for any length of time. Its eye possesses a peculiarly cunning
expression.

Of a peaceable and harmless disposition, the ant-bear, when not
provoked, never attacks any animal; but on the approach of an enemy, it
assumes the defensive in such a way as to make the boldest aggressor
pause. Resting on its left fore-foot, it strikes out its right with a
force sufficient to tear off the hide of the thickest-skinned assailant.
When att