136 THE TOWER MENAGERIE. 
its mouth, it would place the remainder with great calm- 
ness on its posterior feet, and bring it in successive 
portions to its mouth. When craving for food, and also 
while consuming it, it emitted a coarse, but not unplea- 
sant, whining sound, accompanied by a low grunting 
noise; but if teased at this time, it would suddenly raise 
its voice to a harsh and grating tone. It was excessively 
voracious, and appeared disposed to eat almost without 
cessation; a propensity which finally cost it its life, 
having overgorged itself at breakfast one morning in the 
course of last summer during the hot weather, and dying 
within ten minutes afterwards. ‘This was a severe loss 
to Mr. Cops, who prized it highly, and to whom, in 
return, it was greatly attached. On seeing its keeper it 
would often place itself in a variety of attitudes, to court 
his attention and caresses, extending its nose and ante- 
rior feet, or, suddenly turning round, exposing its back 
and waiting for several minutes in this posture with its 
head placed on the ground. It delighted in being patted 
and rubbed, even by strangers; but violently resented 
abuse and ill treatment. Its principal food was bread. 
Our figure was taken from the stuffed skin which is 
preserved in the Museum of the Zoological Society. 
