134 MIGHTY ANIMALS 



but, after finding it, often fought hard to keep 

 other animals from snatching it away. And it is 

 quite possible that those two sloths which fought 

 by that pool in Nevada may have been quarreling 

 over some appetizing morsel that both wanted. 



But the most active food gatherer among all the 

 sloths was the Megatherium — Powerful Beast. 

 Indeed, this animal probably used more strength 

 in securing his food than did any other animal in 

 the world. When he felt hungry he started out in 

 search of a tree for a meal. He went shambling 

 along, as awkward a sight as one can well imagine ; 

 for his legs were short, his feet huge, and his body 

 nearly as large as that of an elephant. Through the 

 dense forest he made his way until he came to a 

 tree which his instinct told him would be good to 

 eat. Then he set to work. First he went all round 

 the tree, throwing up the earth with his enormous 

 front paws that ended in long, sharp claws. How 

 the dirt must have been sent flying as the Megathe- 

 rium proceeded with his task ! When the ground 

 about the roots was well loosened, this beast sat 

 down, firmly planted on his haunches and broad 



