114 



THE PACA* 



The paca is likewise an inhabitant of South Ame- 

 rica ; and like the agouti, has been termed the rabbit 

 of the New World : In size it is rather larger than the 

 hare, but much fatter ; and in form resembles a suck- 

 ing pig, and makes a grunting noise like that' little 

 animal. The paca is covered with a thick coarse hair 

 of an amber colour, but beautifully marked with ash 

 spots : the form of the head resembles a rabbit's, but 

 the ears are not near so long ; it also burrows in the 

 ground like that animal, and from that habit probably 

 derived its name. The flesh of the paca is greatly ad- 

 mired ; and it is eaten with the skin, in the same man- 

 ner as a young pig. 



THE GUINEA-PIG. 



Though the guinea-pig is originally a native of 

 Brazil and Guinea, with attention it will thrive in al- 

 most every clime. This little animal is less than a rab- 

 bit, though it bears some resemblance to it in form, 

 except that its legs are not near so long, and its head 

 is placed so close to the shoulders that it does not ap- 

 pear to have any neck : the ears are short, thick, and 

 transparent; and the hair is like that of a sucking pig. 

 When it moves its body, it lengthens like a rabbit ; 

 and when it is at rest, it gathers itself up in the same 

 way ; but it has only four toes on its front feet, and 

 three on those behind. 



Though the guinea-pig possesses such natural timi- 

 dity as almost to dread the approach of a mouse, and 

 seems to tremble at the sight o/ any animal even less 

 than itself, yet they seem to have an instinctive ani- 

 mosity to their race ; and they will frequently fight and 



