172 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



lation of it. ' The Biscachas live in society, i n burrows undei 

 ground, which they form for themselves, excavating -in all direc- 

 tions to the extent of a mile in circumference, with various exits 

 and separate retreats, in which the old live distinct from the 

 younger. The soil in which these are usually made is that which 

 is hard and barren, and destitute of everything, but with bushes 

 (bcscaglie) at no great distance, and pasture of tender grass, roots, 

 and the bark of trees. They collect around -their retreats bones, 

 dried leaves, and whatever they find in the neighborhood : if any- 

 thing is missing in their districts, it is to be found with certainty 

 piled up in these situations the following day. As they are ani- 

 mals that avoid the light, having little power of vision, they are 

 not to be seen in the day-time, unless at dawn, or towards evening 

 after sunset. The night, and especially when the moon shines, 

 is the proper time for seeking their food. Those among the 

 Biscachas which are called Chinchillas, and which may be said 

 to belong to the first species, inhabit omy the mountains and cold 

 situations ; in size they are like a rabbit, and are clothed with a 

 fine long fur. Their agility is surprising ; they are seen leaping 

 from rock to rock as if they had the faculty of flight. The others, 

 indicated above, inhabit the level country, in warm situations. . . . 

 Fierce and courageous, they defend themselves with all their 

 might against the dogs, and sometimes even attack the legs of 

 the hunters. I shall speak in my travels, as a fitter place, of the 

 three curious modes in which they are driven out of their retreats ; 

 that is to say, with water, with fire, and by rubbing sticks to- 

 gether." 



