AGOUTI. 



147 



The Agouti, which represent in the Antilles, and 

 throughout the warm parts of America, the hares 

 and rabbits of the old world, are remarkably rapid 

 in their movements, particularly on rising ground, 

 though liable to roll over in descending a steep hill, 

 from the extraordinary length of their hind legs. 

 Troops of twenty, and even more, may be seen 

 sporting together in the sunny brakes of the forests 

 of Cayenne. 



AGOUTI, OR OLIVE CAVY, (Cavia aguti.) 



These animals are easily domesticated, but few 

 incline to make favourites of them, as their teeth 

 are sharp, and if disposed to go abroad, they can 

 easily gnaw through the thickest planks. When 

 alarmed by any unusual sound, they stop to listen, 

 and strike the earth with their fore-feet ; if irritated, 



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