

KINKAJOU OR VOTm.—Cercoleptes caudivolvulus. 



The KiNKAJOU is an inlmhitant of Southern America, and is spread over a 

 very large extent of country. When full grown, the Knikajou is equal to a large 

 cat in size, but is very much stronger in })roportion to the dimensions of its 

 body. 



The most remarkable point in this animal is the extreme length and flexibility 

 of the tongue, which the creature is able to protrude to a marvellous extent, and 

 which it can insinuate into the smallest crevices in search of the insects 

 which have taken shelter therein. It is said that the animal employs its long 

 tongue for the purpose of thrusting that organ into the bee-cells, and licking out 

 the sweet contents of the waxen treasury. With its tongue it can ])erform many 

 of the offices of an ele})hant's trunk, and will frerpiently seize and draw towards 

 its mouth the articles of food which may be bcyoml the reach of its lips. It has 

 also been seen to use its tail for the same purpose. 



Assisted by its prehensile tail, the Kinkajou is an admirable and fearless 

 climber, possessing the capability of suspending its body by the hinder feet 

 and the tail, and remaining in this inverted attitude for a considerable space 

 of time. 



It is eminently nocturnal in its habits, being sadly distressed by the effects 

 of daylight upon its eyes. 



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