lif the Sloths to their peculiar Mode of Life. 27 



the imputation of debility ; Ijut we have seen, that agility and activity would 

 have been superfluous to an animal that has no occasion to run or walk, and 

 that the slow and torpid movements of its arms and claws cause no inconve- 

 nience to a creature whose food is stationary upon trees. Adhering continually 

 to their trunks or branches, it finds in this position protection from the assaults 

 of terrestrial quadrupeds, whilst its strength of arm and length of claws suf- 

 ficiently defend it against the serpents, which are its most formidable enemies. 

 The charge of imperfection, therefore, can with no more justice be advanced 

 against the construction of the Sloth because its locomotive powers upon the 

 ground are slow, than against the structure of fishes, because they are not 

 furnished with legs. 



E 2 



