Til K UROlMt I'lO. I- 



banks of tin- IHIIK!, and th-n plunge one after tin- other into tin- water. At times one> is i 

 l\in_ r iH-rfiMtly -nil on the Mirfa.-eof the pond or stream, with it* body widely spread out, 

 ami as Hal as mn be. Suddenly it gives tin- water a -mart slap with iU tail, somewhat in the 

 manner of the beaver, and disappears beneath the surface intitantaneously, going down head 

 f>ivmo-t, ami reminding one of the quickness and ease with which some species of ducks and 

 pvU-s dive \\ hen slmi al. 



"At the distance of ten or twenty yards, the Musk Rat comes to the surface again, and 

 j'-rhaps joins its companions in their sports ; at the same time others are feeding on the granny 

 banks, dragging off the roots of various kinds of plains, or digging nn-lnni-aili tin* edge of the 

 hank. These animals seem to form a little community of social, playful creatures, who only 

 require to be unmolested in order to be happy. 



Humid you fire off a fowling-piece while the Musk Rats are thus occupied, a terrible 

 fright and dispersion ensues ; dozens dive at the flash of the gun, or disappear in their holes ; 

 and although in the daytime, when they see imperfectly, one may be shot while swimming, 

 it is exceedingly difficult to kill one at night. In order to ensure success, the gunner must 

 be concealed, so that the animal cannot see the flash, even when he iires with a percussion 

 lock." 



Traps are also largely employed for the destrm -tion of this gentle, but, unfortunately for 

 itself, valuable animal. The traps are so arranged, tliat when the creature is taken, and 

 struggles to get free, it jerks tin- trap into the water, and is thus drowned. If its companions 

 discover it while still entrapped, they behave in the manner of tin- In-own Hat.s, and tear their 

 imprisoned companion to pieces. If one of these animals is shot, and not immediately 

 retrieved, th surviwir- -m round the dead body of their companion, and carry it off to their 

 homes from the reach of its murderer. In character it is quiet and gentle, and although 

 ii in. -.1 with such powerful teeth, makes no offensive use of them, even when handled by man 

 for the tir-t time. 



TIIK shy and retiring HYDIMM v-. or BEAVER RAT, is not a very rare animal in its native 

 country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it is but seldom 

 seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen's Land, and is found inhabiting the 

 banks of both -<\\\ and fiv-.li water. It is an admirable swimmer and diver, reminding the 

 spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it has a habit of sitting upright, 

 supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the fore-feet for the conveyance of food 

 to its month. 



The color of the Beaver Rat's fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the body 

 re of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides of the face, 

 shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the body is golden 

 yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of "chrysogaster," which signifies "golden 

 bellied." The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety is white. The total 

 length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the body. The 

 hinder feet are webbed. 



THE GI:I MI PIG is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and has a 

 considerable a (Unity with the latter animals. 



It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea, where it 

 is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and approximates closely 

 to the quill-hairs of the true porcupines, being either flat and grooved above, or developed 

 into flexile spines. The tail is but sparely covered with hair, and is rather short in proportion 

 to the size of its owner. The hinder feet are only furnished with four toes, armed with large, 

 rounded, and rather blunt claws. The ears are short and rounded. 



THE PORCUPINK has long been rendered famous among men by the extraordinary armory 

 of pointed spears which it bears upon it.- back, and which it was formerly fabled to launch at 

 its foes with fatal precision. 



