98 Quadrupeds. 



THE GUINEAPIG. (Cavia Colaya.) 



THIS animal is generally white, variegated with red and 

 black. It is a native of the Brazils, but now domesti- 

 cated in most parts of Europe, and is about the size of a 

 large rat, though more stoutly made, and without any 

 tail ; and its legs and neck are so short, that the former 

 are scarcely seen, and the latter seems stuck upon its 

 shoulders. Guineapigs, though they have a disagree- 

 able smell, are extremely cleanly, and the male and 

 female may be often seen alternately employed in 

 smoothing each other's skins, disposing their hair, and 

 improving its gloss. They sleep like the hare with 

 their eyes half open, and continue watchful if they 

 apprehend any danger. They are very fond of dark 

 retreats ; previously to their quitting which, they look 

 round, and seem to listen attentively ; then, if the road 

 be clear, they sally forth in quest of food, but run back 

 on the slightest alarm. They utter a sound like the 

 snore of a young pig. The female begins to produce 

 young when only two months old, and as she does so 

 every two or three months, and has sometimes as many 

 as twelve at a time, a thousand might be raised from a 

 single pair in the course of a year. They are naturally 

 gentle and tame ; as incapable of mischief as they seem 

 to be of good, although rats are said to avoid their 

 locality. The upper lip is only half divided; it has 

 two cutting teeth in each jaw, and large and broad ears, 

 They feed on bread, grain, and vegetables. 



