i6o 



RODENTS. 



as well as by certain structural peculiarities. Thus the incisor teeth are narrower 

 than in the latter, while the upper molars are characterised by one fold of enamel on 

 the inner side, and two on the outer side. The ear is relatively small, and the tail 

 generally of considerable length, thick, and sparsely haired. The hutia-couga, which 

 is the species represented in our figure, is confined to Cuba, and is somewhat smaller 

 than the coypu, the length of the head and body being about 22 inches. The fur 

 is very long and coarse, its general colour being a mixture of yellowish grey and 

 brown, becoming reddish brown on the back and loins, while beneath it is dusky 

 brownish grey, with a more or less marked yellow tinge. The paws are black, the 



THE HUTIA-COUGA (^ nat. size). 



ears dark, and the chest and a streak down the middle of the belly grey. Internally 

 this species is remarkable in that the liver is split up into a number of small lobules. 

 Another Cuban species is the hutia-carabali (C. prehensilis), distinguished, among 

 other characters, by the tip of the tail being prehensile. In Jamaica there is the 

 short-tailed hutia (C. brachyurus), while in the Bahamas the genus is represented 

 by Ingraham's hutia (C. ingrahami). 



The hutia-couga inhabits dense forests, and is an expert climber, 

 ascending trees both to avoid pursuit and in search of food. It sub- 

 sists mainly on fruits, leaves, and bark ; but it also eats the flesh of small animals, 

 particularly that of a kind of lizard. This species can be easily tamed ; and its 

 flesh is considered a delicacy by the natives of Cuba, who either hunt the creature 

 with dogs, or capture it by means of snares. The smaller hutia-carabali is said to 

 confine itself to the most remote districts of the forests, and to frequent the top- 



Habits. 



