QUADRUPEDS. 
45 
other the Two-toed Sloth, from the number of toes 
on each foot. The former is found in South Amer- 
* ica, the latter chiefly in the East Indies and the 
island of Ceylon. 
105. Sloths are the most inactive of all living 
creatures. They have a clumsy form, languid and 
heavy eyes, and a countenance so expressive of mis- 
ery as to excite compassion. Their fur is long and 
i coarse, somewhat resembling dried grass ; the mouth 
; extremely wide ; and the legs set on so awkwardly, 
that a few paces often require a journey of a week. 
They seldom move unless impelled by hunger. 
106. The Sloth subsists wholly on vegetable food, 
and, as it is a great eater, it generally strips a tree 
of all its verdure in a fortnight. It then devours the 
bark, and thus, in a short time, destroys the very 
source of its support. When this is the case, it 
either descends, or lets itself drop to the ground, the 
thickness of its skin and length of its hair protecting 
it from injury. Then it prepares for another tedious 
journey to some neighbouring tree, which is soon 
killed like the former. 
107. Its power of abstinence is very remarkable ; 
as, from the difficulty of procuring its food, it is 
often obliged to go several days without any supply ; 
and we are informed of one, that remained suspend- 
ed to a pole across two beams, without any suste- 
nance, for forty days. 
Where are they found ? 
What is the character of the Sloth ? 
Describe the appearance of the Sloth. 
Describe the manner in which the Sloth subsists. 
What is said of its power of abstinence ? 
