CHAPTER V. 



ORDER RODENTIA. 



THE GNAWERS. 



The Rodents are easily recognized by many points of general 

 similarity, notwithstanding the diversity in appearance and 

 variation in habitat. The order is the largest among mammals. 

 The number of genera, and especially of species is enormous, 

 and the geographical distribution is similarly extended. 



While usually of small size, the animals of this order are by 

 no means insignificant ; some, like the beaver, affording a val- 

 uable fur, while others, as the hare, are prized for the food or 

 sport furnished ; and still others rank among the depredators 

 on human stores, and are therefore universally detested. The 

 largest rodent, the capybara, is not larger than a small hog. 

 All rodents are plantigrade, applying the whole sole to the 

 ground, and find their food within the vegetable kingdom. 

 The toes are movable and generally clawed. 



