THE GUINEA PIG. -11 I 



two or three of the species, however^ are found also 

 on the Old Continent. 



THE GUINEA PIG *. 



Few foreign quadrupeds are more generally known 

 by us than this. It is a native of Brazil. In a 

 state of domestication (for its habits and manners as 

 a wild animal are mentioned in none of the accounts 

 that I have been able to consult) it feeds on bread 

 or grain, fruit, and other vegetable substances, but 

 it gives a decided preference to parsley. — This Httle 

 creature is easily rendered tame, and is very cleanly 

 and harmless. In its disposition^ it is timid : and 

 it appears totally void of attachment, not only to its 

 benefactors, but even to its own young ; which it 

 will suffer to be taken away, and even devoured, 

 ■without discovering the least concern, or attempting 

 resistance. 



When kept in a room, it seldom crosses the floor, 

 but generally creeps round by the wall. Its motions 

 are, in a great measure, similar to the Rabbet : it 

 strokes its head with its fore feet, and sits on its hind 

 legs, like that animal. The male usually compels 

 the female to go before him, and follows exactly in 

 her footsteps. They are fond of dark and intricate 

 retreats, and seldom venture out when danger is near. 

 When about to quit their hiding places, they spring 



* Synonyms. — Cavi Cobaya. Li/m. Gmcl. — Mus Porcellus.L/«7i. 

 S^jst. Kaf. Ed. xn. — Cochon d'Inde. Buffon. — Restless Cavy. Pf//«, 

 — Guinea Pig. ]E.dv;ard!i'—Sha-:;' a Gen. Zvui, p!. \'i6.—Bev. 2nac\ 

 345, 



