MR. E. T. BENNETT ON THE CHINCHILLIDZ. 41 
burrows in the more elevated parts of the plains with so much art, that no aperture is 
left by which the rain can penetrate ; and these burrows are divided into distinct 
settlements, numerous families inhabiting the same locality. On the surface of the 
ground are several entrances to the burrow, at which, towards sunset, they are seen 
seated in crowds, diligently listening for the sound of any person approaching. If 
every thing remains quiet, they seek their food in the obscurity of the night, and com- 
mit grievous devastation on the neighbouring fields, devouring both wheat and Indian 
corn with extreme avidity, and when either is to be had despising grass. For this 
reason the stations of the Biscachas are rarely to be seen in the desert plains, but in- 
dicate with certainty the near neighbourhood of the Spanish settlements. I have often 
wondered never to have seen the Biscacha in the territories either of the Abipones or 
the Guaranis, although well supplied with all kinds of crops. They daily heap up at 
the entrances of their burrow, dry bones, chips of wood, or whatever other refuse they 
may meet with ; but for what purposes they collect such things it is impossible even to 
conjecture.. The Spanish colonists sometimes amuse themselves with hunting them ; 
pouring many buckets of water into their subterraneous retreats, until, to avoid drowning, 
the animals come forth into the plain, where, no means of escape being afforded them, 
they are killed with sticks. Their flesh, unless when very old, is not considered despi- 
cable, even by the Spaniards.” 
The Essay on the Natural History of the Province of Gran Chaco by the Abbé Jolis’, 
appears to be so little known to naturalists, although containing much original and in- 
teresting information, that I do not remember ever to have seen it quoted. Its author, 
a Spaniard, dwelt for twelve years in South America, and made three journeys into the 
remote districts of the interior. His account of the Biscacha, in many particulars, re- 
sembles that of Dobrizhoffer, but differs so much in others, that it seems desirable, 
especially considering the rarity of the work, to translate it at length, at the risk of 
being a little tedious. ‘‘ The Biscachas,” he says, “‘ resemble our hares, but have their 
bodies visibly somewhat curved and arched. They live in society in burrows under 
ground, which they form for themselves, excavating in all directions to the extent of a 
mile in circumference, with various exits, and separate retreats, in which the old live 
distinct from the younger. The soil in which these are usually made, is that which is 
hard and barren, and destitute of every thing, but with brushes at no great distance, 
and pasture of tender grass, roots, and the bark of trees. They collect around their 
retreats bones, dried leaves, and whatever they find in the neighbourhood. If any thing 
ossa arida, lignorum segmenta, et quidquid quisquiliarum invenerint, congerunt quotidie. Sed quos demum in 
usus sibi reservent talia, nemo unus vel conjectura assequatur. Illarum venatione tempus fallunt aliquando 
Hispani ruricole. In earum subterranea latibula aque cantharos effundunt plurimos. Ne submergantur, in 
campum prosiliunt bestize, et nullius effugii opportunitate sibi relicta, stipitibus necantur. Illarum carnem, nist 
admodum vetule sint, ne Hispani quidem aspernantur.” Vol. i. p. 306-7. 
' Saggio sulla Storia Naturale della Provincia del Gran Chaco, tom. i. Faenza, 1789. 
VOL. I. G 
