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SLOTH. — CJiolapus diddctylus. 



The common Sloth, sometimes called the Two-toed Sloth, is a native of the 

 West Indies, where it is not very often seen, although it is not a very uncommon 

 animal. 



The peculiarity to be noticed in all the Sloths, of which there are several 

 species, is, that they pass the whole of their lives suspended, with their backs 

 downwards, from the branches of trees. The Sloth never gets upon a bough, 

 but simply hooks his cm-ved talons over it, and hangs in perfect security. In 

 order to enable the animal to suspend itself without danger of falling, the limbs 

 are enormously strong, the fore-legs are remarkable for their length, and the toes 

 of all four feet are furnished with strong cm-ved claws. Upon the ground the 

 Sloth is entirely out of its element, as its limbs are wholly unadapted for 

 supporting the weight of the body. The only manner in which a Sloth can 

 advance, when he is unfortunately placed in such a position, is by hitching his 

 claws into any depression that may afford him a hold, and so dragging himself 

 slowly and painfully forward. On the trees, however, he is quite a different 

 creature, full of life and animation, and traversing the branches at a speed which 

 is anything but slothful. 



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