378 THE COMMON RABBIT. 



the second, and thirteen at the third. All attempts to produce 

 hybrids between the rabbit and the hare have hitherto been 

 unsuccessful. 



Not only the flesh, but the fur of the rabbit is highly 

 esteemed. So extensive is the demand for the latter in the 

 manufacture of hats, the lining of garments, &c., that our own 

 country being unable to furnish a sufficient supply, an enormous 

 quantity of skins is annually imported from the northern and 

 middle countries of Europe. Some farmers think it profitable 

 to keep rabbits for the sake of their manure ; this, however, 

 must be under very peculiar circumstances. 



THE RESTLESS CAVY. (Cavia cobaya, Pall .)* 

 Guiana Pig. 



Although this animal, doubtless a South American species, 

 has been very generally domesticated from an early period, the 

 stock from whence the breed was derived is not known, nor is 



* Frederic Cuvier attempts to prove that this animal has originated from 

 the perea (Hydrocheerus Aperea) , which inhabits the woods of Brazil, Paraguay, 

 Guiana, and other southern parts of South America ; but facts in the anatomy 

 of the latter animal would seem to refute his notion. Guinea-ipig, the common 

 name of the present animal, which is no pig at all, is evidently a corruption 

 of Guiana pig. 



