AGOUTI DASYPKOCTA. 



42P 



The sinallcr agouti, rather less than a rahbit, j^'cucrally iii- 

 liabits forest districts ; and as it is there a nocturnal animal, 

 it spends the chief part of the day in its hiding-place — usually 

 the cleft of a rock or the hollow of a decaying tree — twenty or 

 thirty creatvu-es congxegating together. Hei'e their nests are 

 Ibrined of soft leaves, where the young are placed till they are 

 able to accompany their parents on their predatory expedi- 



"* ' ~V/M "J Ve nn a ii^'Z' 



1. CAPiBAUA. 2. AGOUTI. 



tions. It is a gentle little creature, and when caught, instead 

 of attempting to bite, only gives vent to a piteous cry. 



The larger agouti, or mara, is sometimes classed between 

 the agoutis and the pacas. It is more easily tamed than the 

 smaller species, and the fur is handsomer — of black, white, and 

 iiolden brown. 



