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THE CHINCHILLA. (Chinchilla lanigera.) 



The chinchilla inhabits the alpine valleys of Chili and Peru. 

 Its length from the nose to the end of the tail is about one foot 

 two inches. It is greyish or ash-colour above, and paler on 

 the under parts ; all the feet have four toes, and short claws, 

 which are nearly hidden by bristly hairs. 



It usually sits upon its haunches, but can raise itself up and 

 stand on its hind-feet. Wild onions, according to Schmidt- 

 meyer,* constitute its chief food in its native state ; but 

 specimens brought to England have thriven well on succulent 

 roots, hay, clover, and various kinds of grain. When feeding, 

 it sits up, and conveys the food to its mouth with its paws. 



Great numbers of chinchillas are killed for their fur, which, 

 as Father Acosta observes, is " so wonderful smooth and soft, 

 that the natives wear the skin as a healthful thing to comfort 

 the stomach, and those parts that have need of a moderate 

 heat."f Many of the skins are imported into Britain for the 

 manufacture of muffs, boas, and other articles of female attire. 



* Travels into Chile over the Andes (London), 1824. 



t Acosta's Natural and Moral Historic of the East and West Indies, trans- 

 lated by D. G. (Lond.), 1604. The original edition was written in Spanish, 

 and published at Barcelona in 1591. 



