ORDER RODENTIA. 233 



removed from the Paca, by the same character of dentition, 

 and by the number of the toes. 



It is more nearly allied to the Guinea-pig in the teeth and 

 number of the toes, but differs widely in relative size and 

 strength, and in the semi-palmated feet, and consequent 

 aquatic habits. 



The Capybara is the largest species of its order, with a 

 thick pig-like body. The fore feet have four toes, and the 

 hinder feet but three, all with large, obtuse, strong nails, 

 almost covering the last phalanx, and approaching the 

 character, in that respect, of the solidungulous and pachy- 

 dermatous quadrupeds. These toes are all partially united 

 by an intermediate membrane. The head is particularly 

 large and thick, with the muzzle truncated. The teeth 

 are, incisors f, canines %%, cheek teeth ||, Desm. Diet. 

 says |4. The molars are formed of scaly lamina, united by 

 the cortical substance deposed between them ; the fourth, 

 or last in the mouth, is as big as the other three together, 

 composed of twelve oblique parallel laminae. The ears are 

 round and moderate. There are twelve mammas, both pec- 

 toral and ventral. No tail. The hairs are thin and 

 bristly, and the whole appearance is pig-like. It measures 

 about three feet from the muzzle to the anus. 



The hairs on the upper part of the head and body and 

 external sides of the legs are black ; for the greater part 

 of their length from the root and at the point, the rest is 

 yellow ; round the eyes and the insides of the limbs are yel- 

 low, so that the whole animal is of a dirty dingy colour, 

 lighter underneath, with black mustachios. The female is 

 rather smaller than the male. 



This animal, as may be presupposed from its palmated 

 feet, is an inhabitant of watery places, and dives and swims 

 with much facility ; it often sits on its hind feet. It sel- 

 dom cries, except when frightened or hurt, when it utters 



