116 TRINIDAD. 



Rodentia. Squirrel (Sciwrus) very common, and a great 

 enemy to corn, and particularly to the laino, of which he is very 

 fond : it devours the bean of the latter, which it abstracts after 

 having gnawed a hole in the pod. 



Rats (Mus). Multitudes of both rats and mice are met 

 with in all parts of the islands. The former, however, are not, 

 as in the older colonies, a pest to the cane-fields ; but a peculiar 

 species of a dark colour, is a great destroyer of cacao, and also 

 of root-provisions such as sweet-potatoes and yams. 



Agouti (Ohloromys acuti). Very common, well known, and 

 easily domesticated. The Agouti feeds principally upon seeds and 

 roots, and is partial to corn, the manioc or bitter cassada, and yam. 

 This animal does not of itself burrow, but lives in the hollows of 

 fallen timber, or in the holes at the root of standing trees, particu- 

 larly the Balata; in dispositions and habits, as well as in the 

 quality of its flesh, it resembles the rabbit ; as food, however, it 

 is not much esteemed, being dry and always requiring much 

 seasoning to render it savoury. An exception, notwithstanding, 

 may be made in favour of the Agoutis of our northern vallies. 



Lapo, or Lape (Cavia Pacd). The Lape is not so common 

 as the Aguti, and seems to prefer the high woods in the vicinity 

 of plantations. It lives upon seeds and fruits, is particularly 

 fond of corn, and, in order to get to the ear, brings down the 

 stalk by gnawing at the roots. Besides its burrow, which it pre- 

 pares amongst the roots of some large tree or in hollows under 

 ground, the Lape may be said to have also a place of refuge on 

 the margin of a neighbouring ravine or river; this shelter is, 

 commonly, under the roots of trees forming a sort of vault. 

 When pressed by the dogs the Lape resorts to this stronghold, 

 and, in extremity, to the water itself, from either of which retreats 

 it is sometimes difficult to dislodge it. It has been said that 

 the Lape is amphibious : this is not the case; for, when apparently 

 under water, though the body is completely hidden, the snout is 

 held above the surface for the purpose of breathing. Though 

 capable of being domesticated, the Lape nevertheless seems 

 always to preserve a strong predilection for the haunts and 

 freedom of the wild forest, to which it soon returns if left at 

 liberty. It may be regarded as one of the richest and most 

 delicate dishes in the shape of game, its flesh partaking of the 

 qualities of veal and pork. 



