476 THE DUSKY PACA. 
crouching in a form like our common hare. It is about thirty inches in length, and about 
nineteen inches high at the crupper, which is the most elevated part of the animal. At 
the shoulder it hardly exceeds sixteen inches. The fur of this animal is soft and warm, 
and from the contrasting colors of black, white, and golden-brown, presents a very handsome 
appearance. Its scientific title is Dolichétis patachonicus. 
Tur Pacas are remarkable for the extraordinary development of a portion of the skull, 
which gives to the entire head a very singular aspect. The cheekbone is enormously developed 
into a large, expanded mass of bone, concave and very rough on the exterior, and smooth and 
concave interiorly. This enlarged bone is so enormous that its lower edge descends below the 
lower jawbone, and hides a considerable portion of it. Closely connected with this curious 
structure is a cheek-pouch, for which no use has hitherto been discovered. There are also 
DUSKY PACA.—Celézenys paca. 
two large cheek-pouches which open into the mouth, and extend past the jaws into the neck. 
In consequence of this formation, the name of Coelégenys, or ‘‘ Hollow-cheek,”’ has been given 
to this genus. ; 
The Pacas inhabit Southern America, being mostly, if not entirely, restricted to the east- 
ern portions of that country, and have also been found in some of the West Indian islands. 
Tuer Dusky Paca is really a pretty animal, the rows of white spots which decorate its 
sides standing out in pleasing contrast to the rich black-brown hue with which the remainder 
of the fur is tinged. The throat and abdomen are white, and the lowermost of the four rows 
of white spots is often nearly merged into the white fur of the under portions of the body. 
The coloring is rather variable in different individuals. The paws are light flesh-color, and 
the large full eyes are dark brown. The total length of this animal is about two feet. 
In its native land it is quite as destructive as the agouti, and, like that animal, is a terrible 
foe to the sugar-canes, which are too frequently destroyed in great quantities by the nocturnal 
visits of the Paca. The aggrieved planters retaliate by making diurnal attacks on the Paca 
burrows when they know the animal will be at home; and by stopping up two of the three 
entrances which lead to the secret chamber of the midnight robber, are enabled to dislodge the 
hidden animal from its retreat. When hard pressed, the Paca turns fiercely on its assailant. 
and fights desperately in defence of itself and its home. 
Tt is an active animal, in spite of its clumsy looks, and not only runs with considerable 
speed, but is a good swimmer, and can jump well. 
The favorite localities of the Pacas are in wooded districts, in marshy grounds, or near the 
