The armadillos are of three or four species, all of them small. The
peludo is about a foot in length, and has hair sticking out between
his scales. The muletas are smaller. Both are excellent eating; but
the girls were some time before they could bring themselves to
touch them. The matajo, in addition to the protection of his I
scales, is able to roll himself into a ball at the approach of
danger, and, clothed in his impervious armor, is proof against
any attacks except those of man. These animals are so common that the
plain is in many cases quite honeycombed with them.
The girls had a great scare the first time they came upon an
iguana, thinking that it was a crocodile. These great lizards are
about five feet long, and are ferocious-looking, but very harmless
unless attacked. Then they will defend themselves, and can inflict
a sharp blow with their tails, or a severe bite with their teeth.
They are very common, and the Indians eat them, and say that the
meat is excellent; but the young Hardys could never be persuaded to
taste it. Thus matters proceeded for some time without any
noteworthy incident. Their circle of acquaintances grew little by
little. Several neighboring plots had been taken up; and although
the new settlers had little time for making visits, still the very
fact of their presence near gave a feeling of companionship and
security.
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