THE PHATAGIN THE SLOTH. 149 



rolls itself up like a hedgehog, and by that means secures itself 

 against the assault of every predaceous animal. 



The flesh of the pangolin is in great request for its delicacy ; 

 but it is difficult to procure, as this animal lives in the most se- 

 questered retreats, in unfrequented woods and morasses. 



THE PHATAGIN 



Is an animal apparently of the same species, but of a diminu- 

 tive size, being seldom above a foot in length. In other respects, 

 it resembles, both in its conformation and habits, the last described 

 animal. It is chiefly found in Guinea, and has sometimes been 

 denominated the scaly lizard. This animal may be considered 

 as the connecting link between the quadruped and the reptile 

 race. 



We shall now describe a creature, which is the most sluggish 

 and inactive of all the quadruped race, and which seems to be 

 the most miserable, if we could be supposed to judge of the 

 measure of animal happiness. 



THE SLOTH 



Is a native of South America ; but one species of it, called 

 the unau, has been found in the island of Ceylon. The flesh of 

 both is eaten by the natives of those countries. It is said to be- 

 long to the class of ruminating animals. 



The sloth lives chiefly in trees, and having ascended one with 

 infinite labour and difficulty, it remains there till it has entirely 

 stripped it, leaving neither fruit, blossom, nor leaf, after which, 

 it is said to devour even the bark. Being unable to descend, it 

 throws itself on the ground, and continues motionless until hun- 

 ger again compels it to renew its exertions. 



Though slow, and apparently almost incapable of motion, the 

 sloth is very strong, tenacious of life, and patient of abstinence. 

 The strength of its legs and feet is so great, that having seized 

 any thing, it is next to impossible to compel it to quit its hold. 

 One of these animals having laid hold of a dog that was let loose 

 upon it, held him fast at his feet till he perished with hunger. 



The sloth is about the size of a fox ; it is covered with a 

 coarse ill-set hair: its nose is very blunt, its eyes black, its ears 

 small, and its mouth extremely wide, extending almost from ear 

 to ear; its legs are thick and clumsy. Its motions are so slow, 

 that it cannot advance above three yards in an hour: they seem 

 to be made with great efforts, and are always accompanied with 

 the most piteous cries. 



Buffon observes of this animal, that when kept in a house it 

 never sleeps on the ground, but always climbs on some post or 

 door, for that purpose. If a pole be held out to it when on the 



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