222 IIYSTRICIDvE. 



Hodgson), viz., 0' — e, is singularly like that wliicli the Goncls of 

 Central India apply to the common one, Ilo-yii. 



Hodgson gives a few interesting anatomical details of this species. 

 There are two glands which almost surround the anus, secreting a 

 pus-like fluid devoid of any odour, which is carried off by several pores. 

 The penis is sheathed and pointed backwards, and has a bone \\ inch 

 long ; the testes are internal. The intestines of one were 30 feet long, 

 and the cfecum 12, 



The only other recorded species of Hijstrix, besides H. cristata of 

 Europe, is H. Africce aiistralis of Peters. 



Atherura fasciculata, is another species of porcupine found on the 

 Tippera hills, and thence southwards to the Malayan peninsula. It 

 has a much longer tail than the true porcupines, and the spines of the 

 back are less elongated. The tail ends in a ti;ft of long bristles. 



The American porcupines belong to a diffex'ent group, called Cerco- 

 lahinoi by some ; Philodendreoi by others. They are more or less 

 ai'boreal, have long tails, prehensile in some, and the spines are short 

 and mixed with hair. 



The remaining animals of this family are, with one or two exceptions, 

 exclusively American, and the great majority from the Neotropical region. 



The sub-family Caving compi-ises the Cavies and the Capybara. The 

 former, gen. Gavia, have short ears, and little or no tail, and the nails 

 of the toes are large. They are terrestrial and burrow. The guinea-pig 

 is a domesticated variety of one of the species. The capybara, Hydro- 

 choirus capybara, is one of the giants of the order, and has much the 

 appearance of a small pig. It has 4 toes in front, the three toes to the 

 hind-feet united by a short membrane, and is quite aquatic in its habits. 



The Dasyproctince comprise the Agoutis and the Paca. The former, 

 Da,syprocta, have 4 toes before, and three or two behind ; whilst the 

 latter, Ccelogenys, have small additional ones, making five on both feet. 

 They somewhat resemble hares and rabbits. 



The EcHiMYiN.E comprise a somewhat more varied group of animals. 

 Some have spines mixed with their fur, and one, Myopotamus coyjyus, has 

 much the form of the Beaver, and has often been classed with it. It 

 has the hind-feet webbed, and 5 toes to all the feet. The fur is used by 

 hatters, and many are imported into Europe for that purpose. 



Two African genera, AvJacodon and Petroniys, arc usually classed in 

 this division. 



