RODENTIA. 



o23 



It lives isolated, does not burrow, and sleeps on the flat ground. 

 When hunted, it describes a large circle in running. 



The Rabbit (Lepus cunicidus) is less than the flare ; the ears a 

 little shorter than the head, and the tail shorter than the thigh. 

 This animal, originally from Spain, is now spread tbroughout 

 Europe. It lives in societ}*, in burrows, in which it takes refuge 

 when pursued. Its flesh is white and agreeable, and diflers con- 

 siderably from that of the Hare. In a domesticated state, the 

 Rabbit breeds rapidly, and becomes varied in colour and in the 

 texture of its fur. 



The Rat Hares (Lagomys *) have ears of moderate length, legs 

 but little different from each other, and are witliout a tail ; they are 

 found in Siberia. 



The Cavies {Hydrochserus f) have four toes before and three behind, 

 armed with large nails, and webbed. But one species is known, 

 namely, 



The Capybara {Hydrochserus capibara), as large as a small pig, 

 with a very thick muzzle, short legs, and without any tail. It lives 

 in troops in the rivers of Guiana and the Amazons. It is the largest 

 of the Rodentia ; tlie Beaver only at all approaches it in size. 



The Guinea Pigs (Ansenm) resemble Capybaras in miniature, but 





>4'«'mM 



Fig. 450.— GurxEA pigs. 



their feet are not webbed. We know but one species, now much 

 bred in Europe, because their odour is thought to drive away Rats. 

 They are found in the woods of Brazil and Paraguay. 



* Xayws, lagds, a hare ; fids, mns, a rat. 

 t vdcap, udor, water ; xo'^pos, choiros, a hog. 



