HOOKS AND CLAWS. 



399 



covered that the animal always hung from the branches, as 

 shown in the illustration. In fact, as Sydney Smith remarked 

 in his witty review of "Waterton's Wanderings," the Sloth 



BUTCHERS HOOKS. 



passes his whole life in suspense, " like a young clergyman dis- 

 tantly related to a bishop." 



There are many other creatures which afford similar 

 examples, though perhaps none are so striking as the Sloth. 



For instance, there are the whole tribe of Bats, which, by 

 means of the curved claws attached to their hind- feet, can hang 

 themselves head downwards in the open air, and even swing in 

 wind, without the least fear of falling. 



