300 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



and it is interesting to note, as we have done before concerning 

 animals of a similar nature, that it is a shy, retiring beast. When 

 disturbed the Paca hies away to the nearest water, for there, being 

 a good quick swimmer, it is secure from its enemies. It is hunted 

 on account of the general excellence of the flesh — especially in the 

 early part of the year, when it is found to be very fat— and also 

 because there are so few South American mammals which can really 

 be considered good eating. 



AGrUTIS. — The Agutis, like the Paca, are South American rodents 

 of which there are several different kinds inhabiting Central and 

 South America, whilst one species, the West Indian Aguti (Fig. 

 239), is found in the West Indies. A second beast is shown in 

 Fig. 240, this being known as the Punctated Aguti, and is merely 

 a variety of the West Indian species which is more typical of this 

 interesting family of beasts. I do not know exactly why the 

 Punctated Aguti is so called, unless it is that the coat is smoother 

 than that of its West Indian cousin, and dotted or coloured with 

 very small round spots. The Agutis possess long, slender limbs; 

 they have only three toes on the hind feet, instead of five like the 

 Paca, and all of them are lovers of forest regions, where, during the 

 silent watches of the night, they carry out their exploits, remaining 

 hidden during the day in hollow trees or burrows. 



When seen in the open during the daytime, away from the thick 

 growth of the luxuriant forest home, the Aguti is said to present an 

 attractive appearance, exhibiting quick and graceful movements 

 pleasant to watch. And it is not only on land that this South 

 American animal attracts attention, for it readily takes to the water, 

 and, although unable to dive, is a really expert swimmer. 



The food is made up of plants and wild fruits, but in districts 

 which are cultivated it is stated that much harm is perpetrated in 

 plantations, especially among sugar-canes. 



Like the Chaffinch among British birds, the Agutis separate 

 after the breeding season is over, the two sexes keeping apart from 

 one another until the pairing time again brings them together. The 

 mother Aguti is most solicitous for the welfare of her progeny 

 (which may number one, two or more), and prepares a snug home 

 in which to rear them. She jealously guards her babies, and it is 

 not until they have been born some little time that she permits the 

 father to inspect the new arrivals. 



CEAB-EATING DOG.— Another South American animal that claims 



