A TALE OF TAILS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 310, 31 December 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

A TALE OF TAILS.

The numbers of difl'erc.nt animal Klld bird tails there are in the world would make a fascinating list, beginning with the kangaroo's "prop," ami ending with the rabbit's "stump."

Every tail has a. special use for its owner —that of the monitor lizard can be changed quickly into a stockwhip that is more dangerous than its teeth or claws; and some lizards can detach themselves from their tails -when such an action would conveniently save their lives in attack.

Some tr-'is are used mainly as Ayswitches, and these generally reach to the nose when extended, thus protecting the whole body if required.

The ant-cater has' a tail that turns into a canppy under which lie sleeps in shelter,- while that of the alligator is a weapon of defence, sweeping its enemies into the river, after which the alligator drowns and devours its victims without any trouble.

The Manx cat gave up hunting for food in trees long -ago, and- instead soxight sustenance on the shore. So in the course of time, its tail disappeared, for it could be of no use to the cat under such conditions—would, indeed, have been a serious nuisance.