ORDER RODENTIA. 235 



form of their cheek-teeth, and toes unconnected by any in- 

 tervening membrane, constitute the principal traits which 

 separate them from the neighbouring genera. 



In the superficial peculiarities of a thick and heavy body, 

 large, erect, naked, and transparent ears ; round, large, 

 and prominent eyes; head and muzzle similar to those of the 

 Rabbit ; want of tail, and character of the fur, the Wild 

 Aperea and the Guinea-pig are alike ; but in colour they are 

 very dissimilar. The Wild Aperea is pretty uniformly of a 

 dingy reddish-gray, or hare-colour, on the upper parts, and 

 lighter underneath. The colours of the Guinea-pig will be 

 stated in the subsequent account of that animal. 



One difference between these animals in a wild and do- 

 mesticated condition would lead to a strong suspicion on 

 the propriety of their specific identity. The Wild Aperea 

 is said by D'Azara to bring forth but one at a birth, and 

 that rarely : while one pair of the Guinea-pigs, according 

 to Buffbn, may by possibility produce a posterity of a 

 thousand individuals in one year. 



The Wild Apereas lie concealed in the clefts of rocks, in 

 which it is not difficult to surprise and take them ; they 

 also frequent thickets and underwoods, without penetrating 

 much in the wood, or forming a burrow. They eat plants 

 of almost all kinds, and seek their food principally during 

 the night. It is gentle in disposition, and is easily tamed. 

 Its flesh is esteemed as food, and the animals are hunted 

 as game in their native country. 



The history of the metamorphosis this animal has under- 

 gone by its domestication is involved in the general ob- 

 scurity of past events, as we shall have occasion to observe 

 presently ; and we cannot, in conformity with the practice 

 and opinion of the best zoologists, identify specifically the 

 Wild Aperea with the Common Guinea-pig, without the 

 expression of a certain degree of scepticism on the pro- 

 priety of so doing. 



