Page:Geology and Mineralogy considered with reference to Natural Theology, 1837, volume 1.djvu/131

 Rh Chlamyphorus, consists, in its hide having probably been covered with a bony coat of armour; varying from three fourths of an inch, to an inch and a half in thickness, and resembling the armour which covers these living inhabitants, of the same warm and sandy regions of South America. Fragments of this armour are represented at Pl. 5, Figs. 12, 13.

A covering of such enormous Weight, would have been consistent with the general structure of the Megatherium; its columnar hind-legs and colossal tail, were calculated to give it due support; and the strength of the loins and ribs, being very much greater than in the Elephant, seems to have been necessary for carrying so ponderous a cuirass as that which we suppose to have covered the body.

tions, from the three more elongated and flatter claw-bones of the forefoot, the oblique form of which is peculiarly adapted for digging.