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THE PANDA, OR WAH. 



frequently seize and draw towards its mouth the articles of food which may be beyond 

 the reach of its lips. It has also been seen to use its tail for the same purpose. 



Assisted by its prehensile tail, the Kinkajou is an admirable and fearless climber, 

 possessing the capability of suspending its body by the hinder feet and the tail, and 

 remaining in this inverted attitude for a considerable space of time. 



It is eminently nocturnal in its habits, being sadly distressed by the effect of daylight 

 upon its eyes. The pupils of the eyes are capable of great dilatation, and when the 

 unwelcome light of day falls upon them, they contract to a singularly small size, and their 

 owner testifies by its uneasy movements the inconvenience which it feels. Not even 

 the owl appears, to be more disconcerted by the glare of the noontide light than does 

 the Kinkajou. During the day, the animal lies buried in profound repose, from which it 

 can with difficulty be aroused ; but when the unwelcome light has passed away, the 

 Kinkajou becomes extremely lively, and exhibits considerable activity of limb and 

 playfulness of character, and runs up and down the branches with great skill, uttering 

 at intervals a low, bleating kind of sound, and descending every now and then to drink. 



PANDA, OR WAH.-/t//uriis Fulgens. 



In descending, it makes use of its hinder claws in the same manner as has been related 

 of the coaitis. In its native state, its food is of a mixed nature, consisting of fruits, 

 insects, honey, small birds, eggs, and other similar substances. 



It is easily tamed, and when domesticated is of a sportful nature, delighting to play 

 with those persons whom it knows and trusts, and making pretense to bite, after the 

 manner of puppies and kittens. It is very susceptible to kindness, and is fond of the 

 caresses which are offered by its friends. In its wild state, however, it is a rather fierce 

 animal, and when assaulted, offers such a spirited resistance even to human foes, that it 

 will beat off any but a determined man, supposing him to be unarmed and unassisted. 



THERE are few of the Mammalia which are decorated with such refulgently beauti- 

 ful fur as that which decks the body of the WAH, or PANDA, as it is also called. 



This beautiful creature is a native of Nepal, where it is known under the different 

 names of Panda, Chitwa, and Wah, the last-mentioned name being given to it on ac- 

 count of its peculiar cry. The fur of the Panda is of a bright rich chestnut-brown, which 



