THE GUINEA PIG. 249 



Description, manners, &c. 



THE GUINEA PIG. 



THIS quadruped is considerably less than the 

 rabbit; its ears are large and broad, and its co- 

 lour, in general, white, varied with orange and 

 black. It is a native of Brazil : but it lives and 

 propagates in temperate, and even in cold cli- 

 mates, when properly sheltered from the incle*- 

 mency of the seasons. In a state of domestica- 

 tion, it feeds on bread, grain, fruit, and other ve- 

 getable substances, but it seems to give a decided 

 preference to parsley. It may be easily rendered 

 tame, and is very cleanly and harmless. Jn a 

 domestic state, the Guinea pig appears totally 

 void of attachment, not only to its benefactors, 

 but even to its own young ; which it will suffer 

 to be taken away, and even devoured, without 

 discovering the least concern, or attempting re- 

 sistance. 



When kept in a room, it seldom crosses the 

 floor, but generally creeps round by the wall. 

 Its motions are nearly analogous to those of the 

 rabbit: it strokes its head with its fore-feet, and 

 sits on its hind-legs, like that animal. The male 

 usually compels the female to go before him, 

 and follows exactly in her footsteps. They are 

 fond of dark and intricate retreats, and seldom 

 venture out when danger is near. When about 

 to quit their hiding places, they spring forward 

 to the entrance ; stop to listen and look round j 

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