THE AVAHT, OR INDRI. 31 
The tongue of the Loris is aided in its task by a plate of cartilage, by 
which it is supported, and which is, indeed, an enlargement of the tendinous 
band that is found under the root of the tongue. It is much thicker at its 
base than at the extremity, which is so deeply notched that it seems to have 
been slit with a knife. It is so conspicuous an organ that it has been often 
described as a second tongue. The throat and vocal organs seem to be but 
little developed, as is consistent with the habits of an animal whose very sub- 
sistence depends upon its silence. Excepting when irritated, it seldom or 
never utters asound ; and even then its vocal powers seem to be limited to a 
little monotonous plaintive cry. 
In captivity this Loris appears to be tolerably omnivorous, eating both 
animal and vegetable food, preferring, however, the former. Living animals 
best please its taste, and the greatest dainty that can be afforded to the 
creature is a small bird, which it instantly kills, plucks, and eats entirely, the 
AVAHI, OR INDRI.—(Judris laniger.) 
bones included. Eggs are a favourite food with it, as are insects. It will 
take butcher’s meat, if raw, but will not touch it if cooked in any way. Of 
vegetable substances, sugar appears to take its fancy the most, but it will eat 
fruits of various kinds, such as oranges and plantains, and has been known 
to suck gum arabic. : 
ANOTHER curious inhabitant of Madagascar is the INDRI, or AVAHI, a 
creature that has sometimes been considered one of the lemurs, and placed 
among them by systematic naturalists. From the curled and woolly hair 
with which the body is covered it derives its name of “ Laniger,” or Wool- 
bearer. Just over the loins and partly down the flanks, the soft wool-like 
hair takes a firmer curl than is found to be the case in any other part of the 
body or limbs. It is but a small animal, the length of its head and body 
being only a foot, andits tail nine inches. The general colour of the fur is a 
