remained with its head crouched between its fore-
legs; in which position it presented at all points
a mass of spines. They deny to it, however,
the power of rolling itself up into a ball. Notwithstanding its ordinary apathy, it appeared
to appreciate the sweets of liberty, making in-
cessant efforts to escape from its cage. The
readiness with which it burrowed was surprising: being placed on a large box of earth, containing plants, it penetrated to the very bottom in less than two minutes: the muzzle, though very sensitive, assisted in the performance of this operation.
After its first abstinence, which lasted for a month, it began to eat; it was fed with a mixture of sugar, flour, and water, of which it consumed nearly half a glass every day. It at length died, in consequence, as was supposed, of its too frequent ablutions; but these naturalists think that the animal may be easily brought to Europe; particularly as it becomes torpid during the prevalence of cold weather.
The same opinion is expressed by Lieutenant Breton, notwithstanding the failure of his own attempt, by the death of an individual which he was endeavouring to bring alive to England. In a communication made by him to the Zoological Society, and published in their Proceedings for 1834, that gentleman has added to our information some interesting notes of this singular animal. Previously to embarkation, this individual was fed on ant-eggs and milk, and when on board its diet was egg, chopped small, with liver and meat. It drank much water. Its mode of eating was very curious, the tongue being used at
