156 TWO-TOED SLOTH. 



tioned specimen, it did not reach more than to 

 within an inch and half of the claws ; a bare space 

 intervening. The consideration of this circum- 

 stance has induced some observers, with unneces- 

 sary scrupulosity, to consider it as a distinct spe- 

 cies; but it is probable that this bare appearance 

 round the feet was merely owing to some acci- 

 dental circumstance. It is certain that the hair 

 in uninjured specimens of the three-toed Sloth 

 grows absolutely to the very roots of the claws ; 

 if, however, the above animal was in a truly na- 

 tural state, it would justify a separation from the 

 rest, as a variety rather than as a distinct species. 



TWO-TOED SLOTH. 



Bradypus Didactylus. B. manibus didactylis, cauda nulla. Lin. 



Syst. Nat. p. 5 1 . 

 Sloth with two toes on the fore feet, and without a tail. 

 Bradypus pedibus anticis didactylis, posticis tridactylis. Bris. 



Quadr. p. 22. 

 Unau. Buff. \T>.p. 34. //. I. 



Two-toed Sloth. Museum Lei>erianum, 'vol. l.p. 79. No. 2. pi. J. 

 Pennant S^uadr. 2. p. 242. 



This species is also a native of South America; 

 and it is asserted, on good authority, that it is 

 likewise found in some parts of India, as well as 

 in the island of Ceylon. In its general appear- 

 ance, as well as in size, it bears a considerable re- 

 semblance to the former species : it is, however, 

 somewhat more slender in its shape ; covered with 

 smoother or less coarse and harsh hair: and is of a 



