CAVIES OR GUINEA-PIGS 29 



were variegated with red, black and white, and that there 

 were no soHd colored ones among them. For years, these 

 nondescripts were cultivated as pets, particularly in Eng- 

 land, and it was not until between 1880 and 1890 that solid 

 or self-colored ones appeared, the first of which were white. 

 About this time, a strain of gray and black ticked specimens 

 appeared, known as agoutis. Just how these were pro- 

 duced is not known, but the color certainly must be close 

 to that of the ancestral form, and it is not at all unlikely 

 that it was a case of reversion. At any rate, these agouti 

 individuals quickly produced self black and reds when 

 crossed with the old-fashioned pied animals, and from these 

 the creams were later developed. 



The remarks above refer only to the smooth-haired or 

 English Cavies. Besides these, there are two other distinct 

 breeds the origin of which is obscure, although they are, of 

 course, the result of sports from the common guinea-pig, 

 improved by selection. Both have long been known, and 

 like many domestic breeds of uncertain derivation, have 

 been given foreign-sounding names, supposed to denote 

 their original habitat, but which, of course, have no founda- 

 tion or fact. 



The Abyssinian Cavy is covered with stiff, wiry hair, 

 which should be short, and as harsh as possible. Its most 

 curious feature is that the coat is formed into numerous 

 rosettes or cowlicks, which cover the entire body. 



The Peruvian, sometimes called the Angora, is covered 

 with very long, silky hair, which grows to a considerable 

 length. When properly cared for, a good specimen is a 

 very attractive creature. 



Food and Housing 



Cavies are hardy creatures and can endure a great deal 

 of cold without suffering, if provided with plenty of warm 



km 



