260 



MAMMALIA— CABI A I. 

 THE C A B I A n 



Is about the size of a hog of twelve months' growth. The head is longer; 

 the eyes are larger ; the snout, instead of being rounded, as in the hog, 

 is split like that of a rabbit or hare, and furnished with thick, strong 

 whiskers ; the mouth is not so wide ; the number and form of the teeth are 

 different, for it is without tusks; like the peccary, it Avants a tail, and, 

 unlike to all others of this kind, is in a manner web-footed, and thus easily 

 fitted for swimming and living in water. The hoofs before are divided into 

 four parts, and those behind into three ; between the divisions, there is a 

 prolongation of the skin ; so that the feet, when opened in swimming, can 

 beat a great surface of water. i 



This animal, thus made for the water, swims there like an otter, seeks 

 the same prey, and seizes the fish with its feet and teeth, and carries them 

 to the edge of the lake to devour them with the greater ease. It lives also 

 upon fruits, corn, and sugar-canes. As its legs are broad and flat, it often 

 sits upright upon its hind legs. Its cry resembles more tjie braying of an 

 ass than the grunting of a hog. Its color is a deep reddish brown above, 

 and fawn beneath. It seldom stirs out but at night, and almost always in 

 company, without going far from the sides of the water in which it preys. 

 It can find no safety in flight; and, in order to escape the enemies which 

 pursue it, it plunges into the water, remains at the bottom a long time, and 

 rises at such a distance, that the hunters lose all hopes of seeing it again. 

 It is fat ; and the flesh is tender, but, like that of the otter, rather of a fishy 

 taste ; the head, however, is not bad ; and this agrees with what is said of 

 the beaver, Avhose exterior parts have a taste like fish. 



The cabiai is quiet and gentle ; it is neither quarrelsome nor ferocious 

 with other animals. It is easily tamed, comes at call, and willingly 

 follows the hand that feeds it. We do not know the time of their bringing 

 forth their young, their growth, and consequently the length of life of this 

 animal. They are very common in Guiana, as well as in Brazil, in Ama- 

 zonia, and in all the lower countries of South America. 



' Hydrochmrus capyhara, Lin. The g-enus Hydrochcci-us has two upper and two lower 

 incisors ; no canines ; ten upper and eight lower molars. Molars composed of laminas ; 

 eyes large ; ears rounded ; fore feet with four, the hinder ones with three palmated toes ; 

 no tail; twomammEe; hair scattered and bristly. 



