380 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. . 



The Spotted Cavy is a native of South America, 

 and lives on the banks of rivers, in warm and moist 

 places. It digs holes in the ground, secretes itself 

 during the day, and goes out at night in quest of 

 food. 



Its motions are heavy and ungraceful. It runs 

 seldom, and with extreme awkwardness ; sits fre- 

 quently upon its posteriors ; and in that situation, 

 smooths and dresses itself with its paws, drawing 

 them over its body with the utmost nicety. 



It is a cleanly animal, and will not bear the 

 smallest degree of dirtiness in its apartment. 



In a domestic state, it is gentle and tractable, 

 fond of attention, and licks the hand of any one 

 that caresses it. When irritated, it is apt to bite. 

 Its anger is expressed by chattering its teeth, and 

 is always preceded by a kind of grunting. It feeds 

 on grain, roots, fruits, and almost every kind of 

 vegetable. 



When pursued, it takes to the \vater, and escapes 

 by diving. If attacked by Dogs, it makes a vigor- 

 ous defence. 



Its flesh is esteemed a great delicacy by the 

 natives of Brazil. 



We have been minute in our description of this 

 curious little animal, which was drawn from the 

 life, and think there is good reason to conclude 

 that the species might be easily naturalised in this 

 country, and added to our stock of useful animals. 

 It is not much afraid of cold; and being accustomed 

 to burrow, it would by that means defend itself 

 against the rigours of our winter. 



There are several varieties of them ; some of 

 which weigh from fourteen to twenty, and even 

 thirty pounds. 



