94 CLU A D R U P E D S, 



T^ls animal is found in Poland under the nanne Bobak, entirely re- 

 fembling that of the Alps, except that the latter has a toe more upon its 

 fore-foot than the former ; alfo in Siberia under the name of the Jevrafka, 

 but rather fmaller. In Canada it is called the^ Monax, differing in hav- 

 ing a blueifh fnoiit, and a longer tail. 



THE AGOUTI 



S abundant in South- America, and has by fome been called a rab- 

 bit, which it refembles in fize and head, but its ears are ftiort ; alfo 

 in the arched form of its back, in the hind legs being longer than the 

 fore, and in having four great cutting teeth, two above and two below; 

 but differs in that its hair is hard and briftly like that of a fucking pig, 

 of a reddifh brown colour j alfo its tail is fhorter than the rabbit's, and 

 without hair J and in the number of its toes, haying but three on the 

 hinder-feet, whereas the rabbit has five. With the hair of a hog, it has 

 its voracioufnefs ; when fatiated, hides the remainder for a future occa- 

 fion ; gnaws every thing it comes near. When irritated, its hair Hands 

 eredt along the back, and^ like the rabbit, it ftrikes the ground violent- 

 ly with its hind-feet. It burrows in the hollows of trees j eats roots, 

 potatoes, yams, and fallen fruits in autumn ; ufes its fore-paws to carry 

 its food to its mouth j and its hind being longer than the fore, runs very 

 fwiftly up hill. Its fight and hearing are good ; when whiftled to, it; 

 Hops to hearken. The French drefs it like a fucking pig; the Englifli 

 with a pudding in its belly, like a hare. It is hunted by dogsj in a 

 fugar ground, where the canes coyer the place, it is eafily overtaken ; in 

 the open country, it runs with great fwiftnefs to its retreat, and nothing 

 but f^moke can force it out. When forced by the dogs, it turns on the 

 hunters, and with fts hair briftling like a hog, and (landing upon its 

 ilind feet, defends itfelf very obftinately. Sometimes it bites the legs of 

 thofe that attempt to take it, and will take out the piece where 

 it fixes. 



Its cry, when difturbcd, refembles that of a fucking pig ; taken 



young, is eafily tamed j plays harmlefsly about the houfe, and goes out 



and returns of its own accord J when wild, continues in the woods; the 



female generally choofcs the moft obfcure parts tq bring forth j prepares 



• a bed 



