THE KINKAFOU. 95 
cannot be trusted without danger. When attacked by men or dogs, the 
Coaiti fights desperately, and can inflict such dangerous wounds with its 
double-edged canine teeth, that it is, although so small an animal, no despi- 
cable antagonist. 
Another species of Coaiti inhabits the same regions as the last-mentioned 
animal, This is the NARICA, or QUASJE, which is sometimes called the 
BROWN CoalTI, in order to distinguish it from the red species. Sometimes 
the name is spelled as “ Quaschi.” ; 
THE singular creature which is known under the title of KINKAJOU, or 
POTTo, is an inhabitant of Southern America, and is spread over a very large 
extent of country, so that it is known in different places under different 
appellations, such as Honey Bear, Manaviri, or Guchumbi. When fully 
grown, the Kinkajou is equal to a large cat in size, but is very much stronger 
in proportion to the dimensions of its body. The colour of the animal is a 
very light dun, obscurely traversed by narrow darker bands, that run over the 
back towards the ribs, and partly follow their course. Another darker band 
is observable round the neck, but all these marks are so very indistinct that 
they can only be seen in a favourable light. 
The most remarkable point in this animal is the extreme length and 
flexibility of the tongue, which it is able to protrude to a marvellous extent, 
and which it can insinuate into the smallest crevices in search of the insects 
which have taken shelter therein. It is said that the animal employs its long 
tongue for the purpose of thrusting that organ into the bee-cells and licking 
out the sweet contents of the waxen treasury. With its tongue it can perform 
many offices of an elephant’s trunk, and will frequently seize and draw 
KINKAJOU, OR POTTO.—(Cercoleptes caudivolvulus.) 
towards its mouth the articles of food which may be beyond the reach of its 
lips. It has also been seen to use its tail for the same purpose. 
Assisted by its prehensile tail, the Kinkajou is an admirable and fearless 
climber, possessing the capability of suspending its body by the hinder feet 
and the tail, and remaining in this inverted attitude for a considerable space 
of time. It is evidently nocturnal in its habits, being sadly distressed by the 
effect of daylight upon its eyes. : : 
It is easily tamed, and when domesticated is of a sportful nature, delight- 
ing to play with those persons whom it knows and trusts, and making pretence 
