1 86 RODENTS. 



caverns of Brazil ; while in the Tertiary deposits of Argentina fossil remains 

 indicate an extinct species of 5 feet in length, and another considerably larger. 



Tliis gigantic cavy is thoroughly aquatic in its habits, frequenting 



Y\ Pi ul lS. 



the margins of lakes and rivers, and swimming and diving with great 

 speed. Darwin, for instance, writes that these rodents " occasionally frequent the 

 islands in the mouth of the Plata, where the water is quite salt, but are more 

 abundant on the borders of fresh-water lakes and rivers. Near Maldonado three 

 or four generally live together. In the daytime they either lie among the aquatic 

 plants, or openly feed on the turf plain. When viewed at a distance, from their 

 manner of walking, as well as from the colour, they resemble pigs; but when 

 seated on their haunches, and attentively watching any object with one eye, they 

 resume the appearance of their congeners the cavies. These animals were very 

 tame; by cautiously walking, I approached within three yards of four old ones. 

 This tameness may probably be accounted for by the jaguar having been banished 

 for some years, and by the gaucho not thinking it worth his while to hunt them. 

 As I approached nearer and nearer, they frequently made their peculiar noise, 

 which is a low, abrupt grunt, not having much actual sound, but rather arising 

 from the sudden expulsion of the air ; the only noise I know at all like it is the 

 first hoarse bark of a larjre doe. Having watched the four, from almost within 

 arm's length for several minutes, they rushed into the water at full gallop, with 

 the greatest impetuosity, and emitted at the same time their bark. After diving 

 a short distance, they came again to the surface, but onlj- just showed the upper 

 parts of their heads." 



In other places the carpincho occurs in larger herds, which may comprise 

 twenty or more individuals. The usual pace of the animal is a long trot, of no 

 gnat swiftness; but when pressed it will advance in a series of leaps. It has no 

 regular lair, although the herd generally returns to the same part of the river- 

 bank. The general food consists of water-plants and the bark of young trees; but 

 in the neighbourhood of cultivated lands carpinchos will consume large quantities of 

 water-melons, maize, rice, and sugar-cane. In disposition these animals are quiet 

 and peaceful, not to say stupid ; and they never appear to indulge in sportive 

 gambols. They occupy their time either in feeding, or in reposing in a listless 

 manner on the banks of the rivers or lakes they frequent. When thus reposing, 

 one individual will from time to time raise its head to see if any foe be approaching: 

 and if an alarm arise they soon plunge headlong into the water. In the settled 

 portions of Uruguay they are but seldom seen, although their footprints, as the 

 writer can testify, arc very numerous on the sandy banks of the rivers. 



The female produces from five to eight young ones in the year; but it is not 

 yet ascertained whether a i-egular lair is prepared for their reception. The young 

 follow their parents closely, although not exhibiting any marked signs of affection 

 towards her. Azara states that each male appropriates two or three females. 

 When captured young, carpinchos are capable of being completely tamed, and may 

 be suffered to run about a house like a dog. 



