HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



497 



days without the least sustenance. The strength 

 of its legs and feet is so great, that, having seized 

 any thing, it is almost impossible to oblige it to 

 quit its hold. The same animal laid hold of a Dog 

 that was let loose upon it, and held him fast with 

 his feet till he perished with hunger. 



There are two kinds of Sloths, which are prin- 

 cipally distinguished by the number of their claws. 

 The one, called the Ai, is about the size of a Fox, 

 and has three long claws on each foot; its legs are 

 clumsy, and awkwardly placed; and the fore legs 

 being longer than the hind adds greatly to the dif- 

 ficulty of its progressive motion : its whole body is 

 covered with a rough coat of long hair, of a lightish 

 brown colour, mixed with white, not unlike that of 

 a Badger; and has a black line down the middle of 

 the back: its face is naked, and of a dirty white 

 colour; tail short; eyes small, black, and heavy. 

 It is found only in South America. 



THE UXAU has only two claws on each foot: its 

 head is short and round, somewhat like that of a 

 Monkey; its ears are short; and it has no tail. It 

 is found in South America, and also in the Island 

 of Ceylon. 



The flesh of both kinds is eaten. They have 

 several stomachs, and are said to belong to the 

 tribe of ruminating animals. 



VOL. in. 



