268 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



largest ; the two others are of equal size. In the lower 

 jaw the three tuberculous molars are elliptical. The edges 

 of the first exhibit two points, but the two others exhibit 

 only a smooth surface, surrounded and bordered with ena- 

 mel. These three teeth are opposed crown to crown, like 

 all triturating teeth. 



The colour of the Poto is, in general, of a yellowish- 

 gray, and this colour assuming a more golden tint, pre- 

 vails on the breast, the belly, and the sides of the cheeks. 

 The eyes are black; the ears and muzzle, violet-colour; 

 and the soles of the feet, and palms of the hands, flesh- 

 colour. The nails are whitish. All the hairs are gray 

 in the principal part of their length, and yellow at the 

 points. The tail, at its extremity, is of a more sombre 

 shade than the other parts of the body, though the colours 

 are the same. 



This animal was extremely mild, and very fond of being 

 caressed. It passed the entire day in sleeping, lying on one 

 side, the head reclining on the breast, and covered around 

 by the arms. When wakened from its profound sleep, it 

 at first complained, seemed to suffer from the light, and 

 continually sought to conceal itself in some obscure corner, 

 or to shade its eyes from the light. By caresses, however, 

 in a little time, it would be induced to play, but the moment 

 they ceased, the necessity of sleep and obscurity overcame 

 it. As soon as the day declined, it would awake by slow 

 degrees ; at first it advanced a few paces in an irresolute 

 manner, uttering a bleating sound, and putting forth its 

 excessively long tongue. Presently, it would drink, lapping 

 like a dog ; and, at last, take its food, which consisted of 

 fruit, bread, and biscuits. It sometimes ate meat, but it 

 preferred vegetable nutriment. It took its provisions, at 

 times, with its lips, but more usually carried them to its 

 mouth with its fore paws. It climbed trees dexterously, 

 and descended, catching with its hind legs, after the man- 



