[Illustration: SLOTHS.]
The Sloths are a strange kind of animal, which, from their more
prominent characteristics and climbing habits, were for a long time
classed among the Monkeys. When they are examined on the ground they
appear deformed and incapable of active motion, for they can only move
with extreme slowness. This peculiarity is the origin of their name. In
fact, their fore-legs are so much longer than the hind ones, that in
walking they are obliged to drag themselves along on their knees.
But if we follow its motions on a tree, in the midst of those conditions
of existence which are natural to it, the Sloth leaves on our mind a
very different impression. We then recognize that there is in them no
want of harmony, and that they, like every other creature, possess the
means of protecting themselves from the attacks of their enemies. They
embrace the branches with their strong arms, and bury in the bark the
enormous claws which terminate their four limbs.
As the last joint of their toes is movable, they can bend them to a
certain extent, and thus convert their claws into powerful hooks, which
enable them to hang on trees. Hidden in the densest foliage, they browse
at their ease on all that surrounds them; or, firmly fixed by three of
their legs, they use the fourth to gather the fruit and convey it to
their mouths. Their coat is harsh, abundant and long; and they have
neither tail nor any visible external ear. They are natives of the
forests of South America; the two best known being the Unau and the Ai,
which are found in Guiana, Brazil, Peru and Columbia.