THE GROUND PIG. 



BEAVER RAT, OR HYDROMYS. Hfdromys chrysogaster. 



THE shy and retiring HYDROMYS, or BEAVER RAT, is not a very rare animal in its 

 native country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it 

 is but seldom seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen's Land, and is 

 found inhabiting the banks of both salt and fresh water. It is an admirable swimmer 

 and diver, reminding the spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it 

 has a habit of sitting upright, supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the 

 fore-feet for the conveyance of food to its mouth. 



The color of the Beaver Rat's fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the 

 body are of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides 

 of the face, shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the 

 body is golden yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of " chrysogaster," which 

 signifies "golden-bellied." The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety 

 is white. In the engraving, the contrast of the colors is not sufficiently marked. The 

 total length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the 

 body. The hinder feet are webbed. 



GROUND PlQ.-Aulacodus Swlnderianus. 



The GROUND PIG is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and 

 has a considerable affinity with the latter animals. 



It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea, 

 where it is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and 



