1 68 



Marvels of the Universe 



classification to those whom it 

 may concern and turn to the 

 animal itself. 



This extraordinary crea- 

 ture, which is about two feet 

 long, may be described as an 

 animated aeroplane. It does 

 not fly, like the bat, but by 

 means of a fold of skin ex- 

 tending down the side of the 

 body, so as to include the legs 

 and tail, it is enabled to 

 take flying leaps into space 

 from one tree to another, 

 descending, of course, as it 

 goes. 



As much as seventy yards 

 can be covered in a single 

 leap. As it approaches its 

 goal the " flight " takes an 

 upward sweep, and at the 

 moment of alighting, the great 

 hands, armed with powerful 

 claws, are spread out, and a 

 sudden grip is taken of the 

 bark of the tree. Then the 

 ascent of the trunk is be- 

 gun by means of a series of 

 jerky leaps, with occasional 

 pauses for rest. 



At such times the creature 

 is conspicuous enough, as all 

 moving bodies are. But when 

 at rest it is far from 

 easily discovered ; for at such 

 times it hangs suspended, back downwards, the feet placed close together, and the head thrust 

 in between the fore-legs, so that it looks for all the world hke some great fruit, such as abounds 

 in these forests. And this semblance to fruit is the more complete owing to the light spots on 

 the dark-brown skin. Thus disguised, it rests in peace, for prowling hawks and other carnivores 

 pass it by unnoticed. 



The Cobego has but one young one at a time. This limitation of the family is imposed by the 

 fact that the mother has to carry her offspring with her wherever she goes, and even this must 

 considerably hamper her freedom of action when necessity compels a leap into mid-air in search 

 of fresh food. The youngster, which is at first quite naked, is carried across her breast, as shown in 

 our illustration, and must be borne for a considerable time ; until, indeed, it is able to leap with 

 safety after its parent. 



As we have already remarked, the Cobego lives upon leaves and fruit. But there must be 

 something more in its feeding habits, or in the nature of its food, than we are yet aware of. 

 And- this, because of the very peculiar character of its teeth, and more especially of the 



Pholo by] 



[II'. Saiille-KenI . 



THE COBEGO. 



This illustration shows the mother Cobego carrying her younc. a little hairless 

 animal tightly pressed against her warm, furry breast. Owing to the difficulty of this 

 means of transport the Cobego has but one young one at a time. 



