GUINEA PIGS. 



405 



the head, and the tail shorter than the thigh. This animal, originally from Spain, is 

 now spread throughout Europe. It lives in society, in burrows, in which it takes refuge 

 when pursued. Its flesh is white and agreeable, and differs considerably from that of 

 the hare. In a domesticated state the rabbit breeds rapidly, and becomes varied in 

 colour and in the texture of its fur. 



The Rat Hares (Lagomys) * have ears of moderate length, legs but little 

 different from each other, and are without a tail : they are found in Siberia. 



The Cavies (Hydrockarus] f have four toes before and three behind, armed 

 with large nails, and webbed. But one species is known, namely, 



The Capybara (ffydrockarus capibara\ as large as a small pig, with a very thick 

 muzzle, short legs, and without any tail. It lives in troops in the rivers of Guiana and 

 the Amazon. It is the largest of the Rodentia ; the beaver only at all approaches it 

 in size. 



The Guinea Pigs (An&ma) resemble capybaras in miniature, but their 





.,r-f 



FIG. 450. GUINEA PIGS. 



feet are not webbed. We know but one species, now much bred in Europe, 

 because their odour is thought to drive away rats. They are found in the 

 woods of Brazil and Paraguay. 



The Agoutis (CMoro/nysjhave four toes before and three behind. They 

 seem to represent our hares and rabbits in the Antilles and in the hot parts 

 of America. 



The Jerboas (Jerboa). This tribe consists of a small number of Rodents 

 that considerably resemble rats. The tail is long and tufted at the end; but 



* Xcryw?, lagos, a hare ; /ius, mus, a rat. 

 t i?5ajp, udor, water ; x'P os > choiros, a hog. 



