382 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS 



ends ; the legs are short ; the toes long, and con- 

 nected at the bottom with a small web ; the end of 

 each toe is guarded by a small hoof; it has no tail; 

 the hair on the body is short, rough, and of a brown 

 colour. 



It is a gentle animal, easily tamed, and will fol- 

 low those who feed it and treat it kindly. 



As it runs badly, on account of the peculiar con- 

 struction of its feet, its safety consists not in flight : 

 Nature has provided it with other means of pre- 

 servation : when in danger, it plunges into the 

 water, and dives to a great distance. 



THE AGOUTI, OR LONG-NOSED CAV\Y 

 (Cavia Agiifi, Linn. L' Agon ft, Buff.) 



Is about the size of a Hare ; its nose is long, 

 upper lip divided ; skin sleek and shining, of a 

 brown colour mixed with red ; tail short ; legs 

 slender and almost naked ; has four toes on the 

 fore, and three on the hind foot ; grunts like a 

 Pig ; sits on its hind legs, and feeds itself with 

 its paws ; and when satiated with food, it con- 

 ceals the remainder. It eats fruits, roots, nuts, 

 and almost every kind of vegetable ; is hunted 



