NATURAL HISTORY. 113 



Sub-family d. Hydrochcerina. 

 HYDROCH^RUS. (Gr. 'YJwp, water; ^a<pw, I rejoice.) 



Capybara, the Capybara. 



The CAPYBARA or CHIGUIRA is the largest of all the Rodentia. 

 At first sight it looks very like a pig, and its skin is covered 

 thinly with hairs like bristles, which add to the resemblance. 



It inhabits the borders of lakes and rivers in many parts 

 of Southern America. During the day, it hides among the 

 thick herbage of the banks, only wandering forth to feed at 

 night, but when alarmed, it instantly makes for the water, 

 and escapes by diving. It is hunted for the sake of its flesh, 

 which is said to be remarkably good. The Jaguar appears to 

 be of the same opinion, for he is the most terrible enemy of 

 this creature, destroying immense numbers. The food of the 

 Capybara consists of grass, vegetables and fruits. Its length is 

 about three feet six inches. . 



The GUINEA-PIG or CAVY belongs to the sub-family Caviina. 

 It was originally brought from South America, and is frequent- 

 ly domesticated in England. Its beauty is its only recom- 

 mendation, as it shows little intelligence, and is never used for 

 food. Children, however, and particularly schoolboys, are fend 

 of keeping Guinea-pigs, as they are wonderfully prolific, easy to 

 manage, and do not make much noise. They are popularly 

 supposed to keep off rats, and are therefore usually patronized 

 in connexion with rabbit-hutches. 



