ANT-EATER TRIBE. 11 



however, are extremely slow ; but they are more active in 

 the night than during the day. 



Three-toed Sloth. From their general appearance, 

 these creatures might be considered among the most 

 helpless and miserable of animated beings; yet, on ex- 

 amination and inquiry, it will be found that they are 

 supplied with every requisite to happiness, of which 

 their nature and condition are capable. Their aspect is 

 piteous, and their voice melancholy ; and such is the 

 extreme slowness of their motions, that, when once their 

 residence is fixed in a tree, they continue there, almost 

 immovable, so long as the foliage is sufficient to supply 

 them with food. As soon as this supply ceases, it is 

 stated that they drop to the ground like a lifeless mass. 

 They sleep in the day-time, and move about only during 

 the night. They are natives of several parts of South 

 America. 



The hair of the Sloth is of a light brown colour, 

 coarse and long. The head is round, and the face 

 short and naked, the hair projecting considerably over 

 it. The fore legs are much the shortest. There are, on 

 each foot, three excessively strong, large, and curved 

 claws. 



5. ANT-EATER TRIBE. 



The tongue of the Ant-eaters is a very remarkable 

 member. It is long, round, shaped like a worm, and, 

 in some of the species, capable of being extended to the 

 length of two or three feet beyond the mouth. Their 

 claws are so large and strong, that they are able to defend 

 themselves against the attacks of even the most powerful 

 opponents. 



