CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 7. RODENTIA. 



409 



used, in fact, for the same purpose as the fur of the beaver. An immense trade is carried on from 

 South America in the skins of the Coypu, which are called La Plata Beaver; they are also called 

 Ragondin and Nutria. Gervais calculates that three millions of these skins are annually sup- 

 plied. These animals are nocturnal, and are hunted at night by dogs. 



The body of the Coypu is twenty-four inches long and its tail fifteen; the female produces six 

 or seven at a birth. Its food is vegetable, and its character gentle. It is capable of being tamed, 

 and in this state shows much docility. It inhabits the banks of the rivers and streams of a great 

 portion of South America, occurring on both sides of the Andes. On the eastern side it extends 

 from Peru southward to 43° south latitude. On the west it ranges from the valleys of Central 

 Chili to Tierra del Fuego. In the Chonos Archipelago, it lives exclusively along the bays and 

 channels which extend between the innumerable small islets of that group. It makes its bur- 

 rows within the forest, at a short distance from the rocky beaches. 



The inhabitants of Chiloe, who sometimes visit this archipelago for the purpose of fishing, state 

 that the Coypus here do not live solely on vegetable matter, as is the case with those inhabiting 

 rivers, but that they sometimes eat shell-fish. The Coypu is said to be a bold animal, and to fight 

 fiercely with the dogs employed in chasing it. Its flesh is white and well-flavored. Buenos 

 Ayres appears to be the center of the trade in the furs of this animal. 



gate* 



CHINCHILLAS. 



THE CHIXCIIILLIEXS. 



This tribe comprises three genera, all belonging to South America, and all distinguished foi 

 the softness of their fur. 



Genus LAGOSTOMUS : Lagostomus. — Of this there is a single species, the Viscacha or Bis- 

 cacha, L. viscaccia, and which serves as the type of the genus Callomys of Is. Geoffroy. It some- 

 what resembles the rabbit, but has smaller ears, and a tail one-fourth the length of the body. 

 Its fur is full, thick, and fine, but less delicate than that of the chinchilla. It is a brownish-gray 

 above, passing into white beneath; the hair of the tail is dry and rough to the touch. These 

 animals are found in abundance on the pampas of Buenos Ayres, where they are hunted and 

 killed in large numbers, because they dig up the soil, injure the crops, and furnish a valuable 

 fur, used for making caps. Their flesh is not eaten. They live in societies; move in leaps some- 

 what like the kangaroo and jerboa, seldom quit their native locality, feed on grains and fruits, 

 and especially a kind of grass resembling lucerne; sit on their haunches, carry food to the mouth 

 with the fore-paws, have various cries, and bring forth four or five young at a birth. A speci- 

 < men taken to London ate bread, carrots, and various other vegetables. 



Vol. I. — 52 



