GNAWERS. 1]*{ 



riea ; nor is at all known in the Old World. It is, however, very 

 common in Brazil, Guiana, St. Domingo, and all the islands around. 

 To the cold and temperate regions of America this animal is an 

 utter stranger. 



The Capybara, or Chiguira is the largest of all the 

 Gnawers. At first sight it looks very like a pig, and its skin is 

 covered thinly with hairs like bristles, which add to the resem- 

 blance. It inhabits the borders of lakes and rivers in many parts 

 ol Southern America. During the day, it hides among the thick 

 herbage of the banks, only wandering forth to feed at night, but 

 when alarmed, it instantly makes for the water, and escapes by 

 diving. It is hunted for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be 

 remarkably good. The Jaguar appears to be of the same opinion, 

 for he is the most terrible enemy of this creature, destroying im- 

 mense numbers. The food of the Capybara consists of grass, 

 vegetables, and fruits. Its length is about three feet six inches. 



The Guinea-pig, or Cavy was originally brought from 

 South America, and is frequently domesticated in other countries. 

 Its beauty is its only recommendation, as it shows little intelligence, 

 and is never used for fpod. Children, however, and particularly 

 schoolboys, are fond of keeping Guinea-pigs, as they are wonder- 

 fully prolific, easy to manage, and do not make much noise. They 

 are popularly supposed to keep off rats, and are therefore usually 

 patronized in connection with rabbit-hutches. 



The Marmot. — Among the hare kind is the Marmot, which 

 naturalists have placed either among 

 the hare kind or the rat kind, as it 

 suited their respective systems. In 

 fact, it beara no great resemblance 

 to either: but of the two it ap- 

 proaches much nearer the hare, as 

 well in the make of its head as in 

 its size, and particularly in its chew- 



, . . The Marmot of Poland. 



ing the cud, which alone is suflS- 



cient to determine our choice in giving it its present situation. 

 The Marmot is chiefly a native of the- Alps ; but is also found in 

 10* n 



