WOOL- AND FUR-BEARING ANIMALS 269 



of South America, and, in addition to the long tail, attains a length 

 of nearly two feet. It has a harsh covering which is known as 

 Nutria fur, Nutria being the Spanish for an Otter. In former times 

 its skin, like that of the Otter, was largely used in hat-making. 



Rivers and lakes are the habitats of this species, a burrow being 

 made in the banks of same, or, when this is not possible, a nest is 

 constructed among aquatic herbage. It is a capital swimmer, but 

 on land exhibits an awkward gait. The food is made up of various 

 parts of plants which flourish near its environment, but in some 

 districts the Coypu leads a more terrestrial life than in others, the 

 burrow being constructed in forests away from the shore. When, 

 some time since, this valuable animal was threatened with extinction 

 and became protected by law, its numbers increased enormously. 

 Thereupon its aquatic habits were temporarily abandoned, and Mr. 

 Hudson says that it "became terrestrial and migratory, and 

 swarmed everywhere in search of food. Suddenly a mysterious 

 malady fell on them, from which they quickly perished and became 

 almost extinct." 



CHINCHILLA.— The Chinchilla (Fig. 211) is a delightful little 

 beast measuring about ten inches in length, excluding the prominent 

 tail, which is well shown in the photograph. It has been described 

 as something like a Rabbit with a Squirrel's tail. It is an inhabitant 

 of the Andes of South America, congregating in burrows like the 

 prolific Rabbit. 



It is highly regarded on account of its beautiful soft grey and 

 greyish-white fur, and there is a great demand for its skin. It is 

 interesting to notice that when this agile and fast-moving animal is 

 being hunted in its burrows a somewhat similar method is adopted 

 for bolting it as with the Rabbit at home, but instead of a Ferret 

 being used, the South Americans utilize a species of Weasel. The 

 Chinchilla is an exceedingly clean little beast, and in this respect 

 resembles other wild creatures which possess a covering of fine 

 texture. 



SKUNKS. — The remarkable North American animal commonly 

 known as the Canadian Skunk (Fig. 212) is chiefly noticeable for 

 two things. It has the power of emitting a vile odour from two 

 teats situate under the tail, and also "when hunters are camping 

 out it is apt to gnaw their hands while they sleep, in most cases 

 causing death by hydrophobia." There are several species of 

 Skunks, but all of them are exclusively American, and whilst they 



