THE C A VIES 



1359 



islands in the mouth of the Plata, where the water is quite salt, but are more abun- 

 dant on the borders of fresh-water lakes and rivers. Near Maldonado three or four 

 generally live together. In the daytime they either lie among the aquatic plants, 

 or openly feed on the turf plain. When viewed at a distance, from their manner of 

 walking, as well as from the color, they resemble pigs; but when seated on their 

 haunches, and attentively watching any object with one eye, they resume the ap- 

 pearance of their congeners the cavies. These animals are very tame; by cautiously 

 walking, I approached within three yards of four old ones. This tameness may 

 probably be accounted for by the jaguar having been banished for some years, and 

 by the gaucho not thinking it worth his while to hunt them. As I approached 

 nearer and nearer, they frequently made their peculiar noise, which is a low, abrupt 

 grunt, not having much actual sound, but rather arising from the sudden expulsion 

 of the air; the only noise I know at all like it is the first hoarse bark of a large dog. 

 Having watched the four, from almost within arm's length for several minutes, they 

 rushed into the water at full gallop, with the greatest impetuosity, and emitted at 

 the same time their bark. After diving a short distance, they came again to the 

 surface, but only just showed the upper parts of their heads." 



In other places the carpincho occurs in larger herds, which may comprise 

 twenty or more individuals. The usual pace of the animal is a long trot, of no great 

 swiftness; but when pressed it will advance in a series of leaps. It has no regular 

 lair, although the herd generally returns to the same part of the river bank. The 

 general food consists of water plants and the bark of young trees; but in the neigh- 

 borhood of cultivated lands carpinchos will consume large quantities of watermelons, 

 maize, rice, and sugar cane. In disposition these animals are quiet and peaceful, 

 not to say stupid, and they never appear to indulge in sportive gambols. They 

 occupy their time either in feeding, or in reposing in a listless manner on the banks 

 of the rivers or lakes they frequent. When thus reposing, one individual will from 

 time to time raise its head to see if any foe be approaching, and if an alarm arise 

 they soon plunge headlong into the water. In the settled portions of Uruguay they 

 are but seldom seen, although their footprints, as the writer can testify, are very 

 numerous on the sandy banks of the rivers. 



The female produces from five to eight young ones in the year; but it is not 

 yet ascertained whether a regular lair is prepared for their reception. The young 

 follow their mother closely, although not exhibiting any marked signs of affection 

 toward her. Azara states that each male appropriates two or three females. When 

 captured young, carpinchos are capable of being completely tamed, and may be suf- 

 fered to run about a house like a dog. 



