106 



SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF MAMMALIA. 



with short thinly-set hairs from between each scale. 

 (Fig. 65* : a, muzzle ; h, portion of tail ; c, under part 

 of fore-foot; d, under part of hind-foot.) The ears are 



4—4 



moderate, erect, almost rounded. Molars 



4-4' 



with 



the crown traversed by folds of enamel. Eyes small. 



This animal is a native of Cuba, where it is known by 

 the name of Utia. It appears to have been described by 

 Bomare and Oviedo three hundred years ago. The ge- 

 neral colour of the utia is glossy brown grizzled with 

 yellowish gray ; the muzzle, chest, and under parts 



65*. — Muzzle and Paws of Utia. 



grayish white ; the fur of a coarse texture ; length about 

 two feet two inches, of which the tail is eight inches. 

 (Fig. QQ.) 



With respect to the habits of the utias in a wild state, 

 it is only known that they are found in the woods, that 

 they climb trees with great facility, and that they live on 

 vegetables. From observations on those kept in a do- 

 mesticated state, M. Desmarest gives the following de- 



