LORIS, OR SLOW LEMURS. 177 



or Slow Lemurs ; which are natives of India and the 

 adjacent islands. They are remarkable for the slowness and 



caution of their movements, and for the tenacity of their grasp 

 which is due to their power of keeping up muscular contraction 

 for a long time. They are completely inactive during the day ; 

 but at night they prowl stealthily among the branches in search 

 of food. Having detected their prey, which consists chiefly of 

 insects and small birds, they approach it with the greatest wari- 

 ness ; and, when they are within reach of it, they pounce upon 

 it with the utmost certainty. They devour eggs greedily, and 

 seem also partial to fruit. When irritated during their period 

 of repose, their motions are very languid ; and they utter a 



