88 Desmarest on Capromys. 



They are fond of being caressed, and particularly of being 

 scratched under the chin. They do not bite, but slightly press 

 with the incisive teeth, the skin of those who caress them. 



They do not ordinarily drink ; I have however occasionally seen 

 them suck up water as Squirrels do. Their food consists solely of 

 vegetables, such as cabbage, succory, grapes, nuts, bread, ap r 

 pies, &c. &c. They are not very difficult in the choice of their 

 food, but I have observed that they have a particular fondness for 

 strong flavoured herbs and aromatic plants, such as wormwood, 

 rosemary, geraniums, pimpernel, celery, &c. &c. Grapes pleased 

 them much, and to obtain them, they instantly climbed up a long 

 pole, at the top of which the fruit was placed. They are also fond 

 x)f bread steeped in aniseed, or even wine. 



Their excrements are elongated black lumps, similar in consist- 

 ence to the dung of rabbits, but smaller. 



Their urine, white like that of the rabbit, reddens in drying 

 the white linen which had been wetted with it, and this colour is 

 deeper when the food has been dry. 



The chemical analysis of the urine of the Utia } made by M. Las- 

 saigne, presents the following results. 

 1st. Urea ; 



2d. A reddish oil combined with potass ; 

 3d. Animal mucilage of a brown colour ; 

 4th. Benzoate of potass ; 

 5th. Sulphate of potass ; 

 6th. Muriate of potass or soda ; 

 7th. Carbonate of lime. 



This secretion is very analogous to that of the rabbit and beaver, 

 which have been analysed by M. Vauquelin. It differs however 

 from the urine of the beaver, which contains acetate of magnesia in 

 addition. 



These animals are almost absolutely plantigrade ; their move- 

 ments are slow, and the hinder parts are as it were embarrased 

 when they walk, as is observed in the bear. 



They leap occasionally by suddenly turning round from head to 

 tail, like the field mouse. 



They gallop when at play, making a considerable noise with the 

 soles of their feet. 



