THE DEGU. 721 



1525 as a rabbit-like animal found in San Domingo which constituted the 

 chief food of the natives. It measures about a foot and a half in length, 

 and stands about eight inches high. The color of its coat is yellowish- 

 gray and brown, with a reddish tinge on the shoulders; the paws are 

 black, and a longitudinal stripe on the abdomen is gray. This animal 

 lives either in trees, or in the thickest bushwood, and is only visible by 

 night. The disproportionate development of the hind-quarters renders 

 it awkward on land, but it climbs skilfully, making use of its tail. On 

 the ground it sits up like a rabbit, and makes short leaps. In many parts 

 of Cuba it is still hunted for the sake of its flesh. Its food consists of 

 fruits, leaves, and bark. When kept in confinement, it shows a prefer- 

 ence for strong-smelling plants, such as mint and thyme, which other 

 rodents do not like. 



GENUS OCTODON. 



This genus contains three species. The animals contained in it have 

 a thick compact body, a short thick neck, a large head, a tail bushy at 

 the end, and long hind-legs. All the feet have five toes. 



The Degu, Octodon Cummingii, is of a brownish-gray color on the 

 back, and a grayish-brown below ; the root of the tail is nearly white ; 

 the inside of the ears is white, the tail black at the extremity. The 

 Degu is one of the commonest animals in Central Chili, being found by 

 hundreds in every fence or thicket ; it runs fearlessly about the high 

 roads, and boldly enters the gardens and fields. It seldom attempts to 

 climb the trees, but at the first sign of danger rushes with upright tail 

 into one of the many entrances into its burrow. It does not hibernate, 

 but collects provisions, like the hibernating animals. It soon becomes 

 tame in captivity. 



GENUS CTENOMYS. 



The six species of this genus are found in the Pampas in the Campos 

 of Brazil, in Bolivia, and in Terra del Fuego. Their small eyes and ears 

 indicate their underground habits. Their limbs are short, the coat is 

 smooth. They are found in astonishing numbers in the plantless desert 

 of the plateaus of the Cordilleras, where the ^oil is perforated like a 

 sieve with their burrows. 

 9i 



