222 HYSTUICID^. 



given to this animal by the Limbus of Sikini (according to Hodgson) 

 viz., 0' — e', is singularly like that which the Gonds of Central India apply 

 to the common one Ho-yu. 



Hodgson gives a few interesting anatomical details of this species. 

 There are two glands which almost surround the anus, secreting a pus- 

 hke fluid devoid of any odour, which is carried oif by several pores. The 

 penis is sheathed and pointed backwards, and has a bone li inch long; 

 the testes are internal. The intestines of one were 30 feet long, and the 

 coecum 12. 



The only other recorded species of Hystrix, besides H. cristata of 

 Europe, is H. Africm australis of Peters. 



Athirura fasciculata, is another species of porcupine found on the Tip- 

 pera hills, and thence southwards to the Malayan peninsula. It has a 

 much longer tail than the true porcupines, and the spines of the back are 

 less elongated. The tail ends in a tuft of long bristles. 



The American porcupines belong to a different group, called Cereolabinm, 

 by some ; PMlodendrem by others. They are more or less arboreal, have 

 long tails, prehensile in some, and the spines are short and mixed with hair. 

 The remaining animals of this family are, with one or two exceptions, 

 exclusively American, and the great majority from the Neotropical region. 

 The sub-family Cavin.*;, comprises the Cavies and the Capybara. The 

 former. Gen. Cavia, have short ears, and little or no tail, and the nails 

 of the toes are large. They are terrestrial and burrow. The guinea-pig 

 is a domesticated variety of one of the species. The capybara, Hydro- 

 chcerus capybara, is one of the giants of the order, and has much the 

 appearance of a small pig. It has 4 toes in front, the three toes to the 

 hind-feet united by a short membrane, and is quite aquatic in its habits. 



The DasyproctincB comprise the Agoutis and the Paea. The former, 

 Dasyprocta, have 4 toes before, and three or two behind ; whilst the latter, 

 Calogenys, have small additional ones, making five on both feet. They 

 somewhat resemble hares and rabbits. 



The EcHiMYiNiE comprise a somewhat more varied group of animals. 

 Some have spines mixed with their fur, and one, Myopotanius coypus, has 

 much the form of the beaver, and has often been classed with it. It 

 has the hind-feet webbed, and 5 toes to all the feet. The fur is used by 

 hatters, and many are imported mto Europe for that purpose. 



Two African genera, Aulacodon and Petromys, are usually classed in this 

 division. 



