THE CAPYBARA. 72/ 



GENUS C^ELOGENYS. 



The members of this genus are found from Guatemala to Peru. 

 There is perhaps only 07ic species in the genus, the so-called second 

 species found in Eastern Peru being doubtful. They are remarkable for 

 the extraordinary development of a portion of the skull. The cheek-bone 

 is enormously enlarged into a mass of bone, concave and rough on the 

 exterior ; the lower edge of this bony development descends beneath the 

 lower jawbone. Connected with this curious structure is a cheek-pouch 

 with a very small opening, for which no use has been discovered. There 

 are also two large cheek-pouches which open into the mouth. The name 

 Ccelogcnys means hollow-cheeked. 



The Sooty Paca, Ccslogcuys paca (Plate LIX), is a pretty animal, the 

 rows of white spots which decorate its sides standing out in pleasing 

 contrast to the rich black-brown hue with which the remainder of the 

 fur is tinged. The throat and abdomen are white, and the lowermost of 

 the four rows of white spots is often nearly merged into the white fur of 

 the under portions of the body. The coloring is rather variable in differ- 

 ent individuals. The paws are light flesh-color, and the large full eyes 

 are dark-brown. The total length of this animal is about two feet. It is 

 an active animal, in spite of its clumsy looks, and not only runs with 

 considerable speed, but is a good swimmer, and can jump well. 



The favorite localities of the Pacas are in wooded districts, in marshy 

 grounds, or near the banks of rivers. Their domiciles are excavated in 

 the ground, but are at no great depth, and are remarkable for the 

 admirable state of cleanliness in which they are preserved by the in- 

 habitants. 



GENUS HYDROCH^^RUS. 



The only species inhabits the banks of rivers from Guayana to La 

 Plata. Its size, its harsh coarse hair, its hoof-like toes and clumsy bear- 

 ing are so swinish, that it seems to be a kind of wild hog. From this 

 external resemblance the name Hydrochoeriis or Water Hog is derived. 



The Capybara, Hydrochcsrus capybara (Plate LIX), is the largest of 

 all the living rodent animals, rather exceeding three feet in total length, 

 and being so bulkily made that when it walks its abdomen nearly touches 

 the ground. The muzzle of this animal is heavy and blunt, the eyes are 

 set high in the head, and are moderate in size, the tail is wanting, and 



