THE GLUTTON. 



Cruel attacks on the rein-deer Extreme voracity. 



back, of a shining black. The fur is held in. 

 great estimation, for its peculiar softness and 

 glossy appearance. 



The legs of the glutton are very short, and 

 consequently unfit for pursuit ; but the claws are 

 admirably adapted for climbing trees, where it 

 frequently watches whole days together in expec- 

 tation of prey. The elk and rein-deer are its fa- 

 vourite food, and when either of these passes 

 under the tree, the glutton instantly darts upon 

 its back; and, after fixing himself firmly between 

 the horns, tears out its eyes : this torments the 

 animal to such a degree, that, either to put an 

 end to its torments or to get rid of its cruel 

 enemy, it strikes its head against the trees till it 

 falls down dead ; or if this does not happen, iu 

 enemy soon brings it to the ground by sucking 

 Its blood ; and then continues to devour the flesh 

 till it sinks in a state of torpidity by the side of 

 its hapless victim. In this situation it remains 

 till returning animation enables it to renew the 

 savage banquet, which never terminates till the 

 carcase be wholly consumed. 



Gluttons feed also on hares, mice, birds, and 

 even on putrescent flesh; and it is said by the 

 Norwegians (though probably without founda- 

 tion) that they are sometimes obliged to relieve 

 themselves by squeezing their over-swoln bodies 

 between two trees; by this means exonerating 

 their stomachs of that food which has not time 

 to digest. 



