168 ANIMALS OF THE 



shoulders. The ears are short, thin, and trans- 

 parent ; the hair is like that of a sucking pig, 

 from whence it has taken the name ; and it wants 

 even the vestiges of a tail. In other respects it 

 has some similitude to the rabbit. When it 

 moves, its body lengthens like that animal ; and 

 when it is at rest, it gathers up in the same man- 

 ner. Its nose is formed with the rabbit lip, ex- 

 cept that its nostrils are much farther asunder. 

 Like all other animals in a domestic state, its 

 colours are different ; some are white, some are 

 red, and others both red and white. It differs 

 from the rabbit in the number of its toes, having 

 four toes on the feet before, and but three on 

 those behind. It strokes its head with the fore- 

 feet like the rabbit ; and, like it, sits upon the 

 hind-feet ; for which purpose, there is a naked 

 callous skin on the back part of the legs and 

 feet. 



These animals are of all others the most help- 

 less and inoffensive.* They are scarcely possess- 

 ed of courage sufficient to defend themselves 

 against the meanest of all quadrupeds, a mouse. 

 Their only animosity is exerted against each 

 other ; for they will often fight very obstinate- 

 ly, and the stronger is often known to destroy 

 the weaker. But against all other aggressors, 

 their only remedy is patience and non-resistance. 

 How, therefore, these animals, in a savage state, 

 could contrive to protect themselves, I have not 

 been able to learn ; as they want strength, swift- 



* This history is partly taken from the Amceuitates Academics, vol. iv. 

 p. 202. 



