Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/290

280 what inconsistent habits of climbing trees and of burrowing in the earth at their feet, are attributed to it. In the winter it is said to form a nest in its underground retreat, retiring into it to pass away the cold season in sleep. If this is correct, it adds another particular to the analogies that exist be-

KOALA,.

tween it and the bears. It is also said to pass along the branches of trees with great facility, in the manner of a Sloth, suspended by its sharp and powerful claws. Vegetable substances constitute its sole nutriment; a considerable portion of which is derived from the young leaves of the gum-trees (Hucalyptus). It makes use of its fore-paws to lay hold of the branches while it is feeding. In drinking it laps like a dog. Its voice is a soft