EDENTATA. 159 



sole, but on the edge, and the toes are armed with 

 immense claws, long, sharp, and curved inwards. 

 The claws of the Cat are, in a state of rest, drawn 

 backwards, and can be bent downward only by mus- 

 cular effort ; but the claws of the Sloth are habitu- 

 ally bent down upon the wrist, and can be raised 

 only by an effort, and that only in a slight degree : 

 they are longer than the whole sole of the foot. It 

 is no more adapted, therefore, for running on the 

 branches of trees, than for walking the earth. Where 

 then does it live ? Mr. Waterton informs us, from 

 his own personal observation during his " Wander- 

 ings in South America." " The Sloth in a wild 

 state spends its whole life in the trees, and never 

 leaves them, but through force or accident; and 

 what is more extraordinary, not upon the branches, 

 like the squirrel and monkey, but under them. He 

 moves suspended from the branch, he rests sus- 

 pended from the branch, and he sleeps suspended 

 from the branch. Hence his seemingly bungled 

 composition is at once accounted for ; and in lieu 

 of the Sloth leading a painful life, and entailing 

 a melancholy existence on its progeny, it is but 

 fair to conclude that it just enjoys life as much 

 as any other animal, and that its extraordinary for- 

 mation and singular habits are but further proofs 

 to engage us to admire the wonderful works of 

 Omnipotence." " The Indians have a saying, that 

 when the wind blows, the Sloths begin to travel. In 

 fact, during calm weather they remain tranquil, pro- 

 bably not liking to cling to the brittle extremities of 



