CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 8. EDENTATA 



463 



so far from being a mere freak of nature, the Sloth is specially fitted for enjoying a particular 

 mode of existence, and that it is most absurd to come to any conclusion with regard to the powers of 

 any creature from seeing it in an unnatural position. The Sloths seldom, if ever, visit the ground 

 in a state of nature, and indeed have no reason for doing so, for in the great forests of South 

 America, which they exclusively inhabit, the trees grow so close together that these animals can 

 pass with facility from one to another, especially when strong winds wave the branches of the 

 trees and thus bring them into closer juxtaposition. 



Genus CHOLEPUS : Cholcepus. — Of this genus, to which Cuvier gives the name of Tardi- 

 grade^ there is a single species, the C. didactylus — the Unau of Buffon. The body of this is 

 about two feet long ; its head is large, its hair long and dry, and of a grayish-brown ; the nostrils 

 are circular. It uses three hands to hold on to the trees; the fourth it employs in seizing and 

 bringing to its mouth such objects as it desires. It does not see well in the day, and remains a 

 great part of the time hanging to the branches of trees, asleep. Mr. Waterton, in his " "Wander- 

 ings" in South America, says, "The Sloth, in its 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 suspended from the branch, and he sleeps suspended from the branch. Hence his seem- 

 inglv bungled composition is at once accounted for ; and in lieu of the Sloth leading a painful 

 life, and entailing a melancholy existence upon its progeny, it is but fair to conclude that it just 

 enjoys life as much as any other animal, and that its extraordinary formation and singular habits 

 are but further proofs to engage us to admire the wonderful works of Omnipotence." Nor are 

 the motions of this animal so slow while suspended in this strange position, nor his habitat so cir- 

 cumscribed as naturalists have hitherto imagined. "The Indians," continues Mr. Waterton, "have 

 a saying that when the wind blows the Sloths begin to travel." "In fact, during calm weather they 

 remain tranquil, probably not liking to cling to the brittle extremities of the branches, lest they 

 should break while the animals are passing from one tree to another ; but as soon as the wind 

 rises the branches of the neighboring trees become interwoven, and then the Sloth seizes hold of 

 them and pursues his journey in safety. Species of this animal, which is found in Brazil and 

 Guiana, have been in the menageries of Paris and of the London Zoological Gardens. 



: 



THE AI. 



Genus BRADYPUS : Bradyjms.—Oi this there are several species : the Ai, B. tridaetylus, is 



varied with whitish-gray on the back, the hair being long and shaggy, and of a texture resembl 

 dry hay in appearance. This covering looks so like the rough bark of a tree, mingled with in 

 that the creature often escapes being noticed by men and animals which pursue them. It feeds 

 on leaves and brings forth one young at a time. When moving in the forests it utters a cry of 



