5S TH.E PECCARY. 



issues a liquid somewhat resembling that which distils 

 from the civit, though not possessing the same sweet- 

 scented quality : the hair is of a grizly colour, and of 

 -so stout and strong a texture as not to adhere to any 

 part of the body : on the head, between the ears, there 

 is a large tuft of black bristles : the ears of the animal 

 stand erect, and are about two inches and a half in 

 length : the feet, hoofs, and tusks, are like those of the 

 hog ; but its flesh is much drier, and not so sweet. 

 They generally associate in herds together, and prefer 

 mountains to marshy grounds : they subsist upon wild 

 fruits, roots, and vegetables ; but lizards, toads, and 

 serpents, are their favorite food. 



THE CAPIBARA. 



Though the Capibara is ranked amongst animals 

 of the hog kind, yet it doubtless belongs to a distinct 

 race ; it resembles a hog in the form of its body and in 

 the coarseness and colour of the hair : the neck of this 

 animal is short and thick, and it has a rounded bristly 

 back ; the snout is split Ike that of a rabbit, and whis- 

 kers are substituted in the place of tusks : like the pec- 

 cary, it is without a tail ; and instead of being cloven- 

 footed, it is webbed like a duck. The water is this 

 creature's favourite element ; but it feeds as much upon 

 fruit and corn as it does upon fish. Its cry resembles 

 the bray of an ass ; and it will sit upon its hinder parts 

 and beg like a dog. Even in a state of wildness, it ap 

 pears to be gentle ; and when taken young is easily 

 tamed. The capibara is a native of South America ; but 

 its flesh is strong, and acquires a flavour of fish. 



