MAMMALIA. 
113 
lower compressed and sharp ; the grinders are laminous ; muz¬ 
zle compressed ; eyes large ; ears moderate and rounded; fore 
feet palmated with four toes; posterior with three; without any 
tail; two teats; hair scattered and bristly. 
Hydrochcerus capybara. — The Capybara. 
Plate XXI. fig. 9. 
Fur brown; head very large; nose broad, divided; nostrils 
distant; whiskers very long; neck very short; body short and 
thick; legs strong and short; feet large. About three feet 
long. Inhabits the banks of the larger rivers in South Ameri¬ 
ca. 
Genus 28. — Cavia. — Desmarest. 
Generic Character. —Incisors no canines, grinders * > total 
20. Body thick; muzzle short, compressed; eyes large ; ears 
round; legs short; four toes on the fore feet, and three on the 
hind feet; not palmated ; without a tail; teats two, ventral. 
Cavia Cubaya .— The Cobaya, or Guinea Fig. 
Plate XX. fig. 5. 
Fur short, reddish-gray on the upper parts, paler beneath. 
Tame variety varied, with patches of black, fawn-colour, and 
white ; legs very short. Inhabits Brazil and Paraguay. 
Genus 29.—Dasyprocta. — Illiger. 
Generic Character .—Incisors no canines, grinders ; to¬ 
tal 20. Plead somewhat elongated; forehead flat; eyes large ; 
muzzle thick; fore feet with four toes, and a tubercle in place 
of a thumb ; hind feet longer than those before, with three 
toes, and long strong nails ; soles of the feet devoid of hair, and 
callous. 
Dasyprocta Acuti .— The Agouti. 
Plate XX. fig. 7. 
Fur brown, sprinkled with straw-colour, and reddish, orange 
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