MEGATHERIUM, a gigantic fossil ground sloth, the largest known edentate, representing the family Megatheriicke, and especially thf. species Megatherium americanum, whose re mains are found plentifully in the Pleistocene strata of Argentina and Patagonia. These ear!, edentates were so generalized, that, as compare2 with modern forms, they exhibit the head ac' teeth of a sloth, associated with the vertebra limbs and tail of the ant-eater. Some of attain a gigantic size, at least as large as as elephant, but with shorter limbs and a bi¢Err tail, and the latest species are the most bulk. Megatherium, according to Woodward, seems have been entirely destitute of dermal arnica The only one of its allies in which bony have been discovered is Mylodose, and they ar very small and not fused together. The peir. and hind limbs are heavily formed, showing do the animal was in the habit of standing cs them, steadied by the powerful tail, like a garoo. They fed on the branches of trees. Th
mylodons were somewhat smaller than Iv megatheria, with a skull and teeth more lilc those of the modern sloths, and the three inne digits of the forefoot bear claws, about equal r size, instead of the huge middle-finger claw c• the Megatherium. In both animals the his: foot lacks digit I, but II and III bear clay% The typical species of mylodon (M.
was about as large and of much the same leer as a rhinoceros, and inhabited the southwester United States, while various other species lire.: in South America. The long-headed Soui American genera, Scelidotherium and Itf tea !onyx, are other forms of the same family. Set GROUND-SLOTHS. Consult the palmontolopa' writings of Leidy, Lydelcker and Woodwar.i. also Scott, G. B.,