below the place the branches of the trees touched the
water, and afforded him an easy and safe access to it. Be this as it
may, though the trees were not above twenty yards from him, he could not
make his way through the sand in time to escape before we landed. As
soon as we came up to him, he threw himself on his back, and defended
himself with his legs.

'"Come, poor fellow," said I to him, "if thou hast got into a hobble
to-day, thou shalt not suffer for it. I will take no advantage of thee
in misfortune. The forest is large enough both for thee and me to rove
in. Go thy way alive and enjoy thyself in the wilds; it is probable thou
wilt never have another interview with man, so fare thee well!"

'After this I took up a long stick which was lying there, held it for
him to hook on, and then conveyed him to a high and stately tree. He
ascended with wonderful rapidity, and in about a minute he was almost at
the top. He now went off in a side direction, and caught hold of the
branch of a neighbouring tree; next he went towards the heart of the
forest. I stood looking on, amazed at his singular mode of progress. I
was going to add that I never saw a sloth take to his heels in such
earnest, but the expression will not do, for the sloth has no heels.'

The Indians of Guiana declare that the sloth travels chiefly when the
wind blows. During calm weather the animal is still, but if a breeze
rises, the branches of the trees generally become interwoven, and he can
pursue his journey safely from branch to branch. Should a wind blow, as
it often does, after ten o'clock in the morning till sunset, a sloth
will manage a good distance without resting.

Seldom, unless perhaps by accident, is a sloth seen upon the ground.
There its movements do seem laborious and painful. Its home is amongst
trees, and its favourite position not on, but under, the branches. Off
the trees it obtains the various insects which are its food, and escapes
the danger of being seized by most beasts of prey. When the sloth is at
rest under a branch, it has been noticed to make a sort of purring
sound, expressing pleasure, though at times one is heard uttering a
plaintive shriek, possibly telling of discontent.

The head of the sloth is small and round. It is well clothed with shaggy
hair, and the fore-legs are long and strong. While quite young, the
little sloth is carried about by its mother.

THE NIGHT BEFORE MY BIRTHDAY.

The longest night--