78 ANIMALS IN MENAGERIES. 



the circle of nature. Its size was that of a domestic 

 cat ; but its whole physiognomy was remarkably like 

 that of a lemur. The fur also, in its smoothness, soft- 

 ness, and thickness, bore a strong resemblance to that 

 of tlie latter animal: it was not so high; but it had very 

 much of the same gait, especially behind, although it 

 walked altogether on the soles and the palms. It was slow 

 in its movements, which seemed executed with difficulty; 

 (this, it is presumed, was when upon the ground only;) 

 but when it sprang forward, or jumped, it seemed ex- 

 tremely active. Its large eyes, almost directed forward, 

 seemed to complete the resemblance which the animal 

 had to the family of lemurs. 



In its cUsposition this individual was extremely mild, 

 and very fond of being caressed. It passed the entire 

 day, like the lemurs, in sleeping ; the head reclined on 

 the breast, and covered around by the arms. "W^hen 

 awakened in the day, it obviously suffered much distress 

 from the glare of light, and sought to conceal itself in 

 the darkest corner. By caresses, however, it would 

 sometimes be induced to play; but the moment they 

 ceased, the necessity of sleep seemed to overcome it. 

 As twilight advanced, it would gradually awaken, ad- 

 vance a few paces, utter a bleating sound, and throw 

 out its very long tongue : it would then drink, and take 

 its food, which consisted of bread, biscuit, and fruit. It 

 sometimes ate meat, but showed a decided partiality for 

 vegetable thet. The fore paws were generally used to 

 carry food to the mouth, — a character belonging to all the 

 lemurs. Like those animals, also, the potto climbed 

 with great dexterity ; while, in descending, it would clasp 

 with its hind legs, so as completely to turn back the 

 foot, — an action which must depend upon a peculiar con- 

 formation of the leg. The prehensile tail was often used 

 to prevent falls, and even to draw objects towards the 

 animal which could not be reached by the hands. Its 

 voice, when placid, was a soft hiss ; but when irritated, 

 it resembled the barking of a young dog. 



The general colour of the animal is yellowish grey. 



