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 DolicMtis patadwiiicus. 



The 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 P AC A. — Calogenys 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 Coelogenys, 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. 



The 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. 



It 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 



