THE GROUND PIG. 469 



banks of the pond, and then plunge one after the other into the water. At times one is seen 

 lying perfectly still on the surface of the pond or stream, with its body widely spread out, 

 and as tlat as can be. Suddenly it gives the water a smart slap with its tail, somewhat in the 

 manner of the beaver, and disappears beneath the surface instantaneously, going down head 

 foremost, and reminding one of the quickness and ease with which some species of ducks and 

 grebes dive when shot at. 



' ' At the distance of ten or twenty yards, the Musk Rat comes to the surface again, and 

 perhaps joins its companions in their sports ; at the same time others are feeding on the grassy 

 banks, dragging off the roots of various kinds of plants, or digging underneath the edge of the 

 bank. These animals seem to form a little community of social, playful creatures, who only 

 require to be unmolested in order to be happy. 



"Should you fire off a fowling-piece while the Musk Rats ai'e thus occupied, a terrible 

 fright and dispersion ensues ; dozens dive at the flash of the gun, or disappear in their holes ; 

 and although in the daytime, when they see imperfectly, one may be shot while swimming, 

 it is exceedingly difficult to kill one at night. In order to ensure success, the gunner must 

 be concealed, so that the animal cannot see the flash, even when he fires with a percussion 

 lock." 



Traps are also largely employed for the destruction of this gentle, but, unfortunately for 

 itself, valuable animal. The traps are so arranged, that when the creature is taken, and 

 struggles to get free, it jerks the trap into the water, and is thus drowned. If its companions 

 discover it while still entrapped, they behave in the manner of the brown Rats, and tear their 

 imprisoned companion to pieces. If one of these animals is shot, and not immediately 

 retrieved, the survivors surround the dead body of their companion, and carry it off to their 

 homes from the reach of its murderer. In character it is quiet and gentle, and although 

 armed with such powerful teeth, makes no offensive use of them, even when handled by man 

 for the first time. 



The shy and retiring Hydromys, or Beaver Rat, is not a very rare animal in its native 

 country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it is but seldom 

 seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen' s Land, and is found inhabiting the 

 banks of both salt and fresh water. It is an admirable swimmer and diver, reminding the 

 spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it has a habit of sitting upright, 

 supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the fore-feet for the conveyance of food 

 to its mouth. 



The color of the Beaver Rat's fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the body 

 are of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides of the face, 

 shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the body is golden 

 yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of "chrysogaster," which signifies "golden- 

 bellied." The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety is white. The total 

 length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the body. The 

 hinder feet are webbed. 



The Ground Pig is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and has a 

 considerable affinity with the latter animals. 



It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea, where it 

 is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and approximates closely 

 to the quill-hairs of the true porcupines, being either flat and grooved above, or developed 

 into flexile spines. The tail is but sparely covered with hair, and is rather short in proportion 

 to the size of its owner. The hinder feet are only furnished with four toes, armed with large, 

 rounded, and rather blunt claws. The ears are short and rounded. 



The Porcupine has long been rendered famous among men by the extraordinary armory 

 of pointed spears which it bears upon its back, and which it was formerly fabled to launch at 

 its foes with fatal precision. 



