378 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The Guinea-Pig is considerably less than the 

 Rabbit; its upper lip is only half divided; it has 

 two cutting teeth in each jaw; large and broad 

 ears; its hair is of different colours, white, varied 

 with orange and black, in irregular patches ; it has 

 no tail ; is a restless animal ; feeds on bread, grain, 

 and vegetables; and makes a noise like the grunt- 

 ing of a pig. 



It is capable of breeding at the age of two months, 

 and produces from four to twelve at one time. 



The species w^ould be innumerable, if many of 

 them were not taken off by various means : some 

 are killed by Cats, others by the males, and more, 

 both young and old, perish by the severity of the 

 -climate, and want of proper care. 



