1332 



THE RODENTS 



which is properly the Spanish name for the otter; the same term being applied in 

 commerce to the fur. 



THE HUTIAS 

 Genus Capromys 



The large Rodent known as the hutia-couga (C. pilorides), is one of a group 

 of four or five species confined to the West Indies, where they appear to be the 

 only indigenous members of the order. They are all allied to the coypu, from 

 which they are distinguished by their arboreal habits and more rat-like appearance, 



THE HTJTIA-COUGA. 

 (One-third natural size.) 



as well as by certain structural peculiarities. Thus the incisor teeth are narrower 

 than in the latter, while the upper molars are characterized by one fold of enamel on 

 the inner side, and two on the outer side. The ear is relatively small, and the tail 

 generally of considerable length, thick, and sparsely haired. The hutia-couga, 

 which is the species represented in our figure, is confined to Cuba, and is somewhat 

 smaller than the coypu, the length of the head and body being about twenty-two 

 inches. The fur is very long and coarse, its general color being a mixture of yel- 

 lowish gray and brown, becoming reddish brown on the back and loins, while 

 beneath it is dusky brownish gray, with a more or less marked yellow tinge. The 

 paws are black, the ears dark, and the chest and a streak down the middle of the 



