466 



MAMMALIA. 



have no tail, or if any, quite rudimentary. The Oavies belong 

 exclusively to South America, and they are divided into four 

 principal genera — the Capybaras, the ,Cobayas, the Cavia Pacas, 

 or Spotted Oavies, and the Agoutis. 



Capylara. — The Capybaras, also called EydrocJueres, and Water- 

 Pigs (Fig. 199), are the largest of all the Rodents. The only 

 sjjecies which has yet been observed measures three feet in length 

 and a foot and a half in height. This animal possesses a massive 

 body, a large head, short and rounded ears, moderately long legs, 

 semi-webbed toes, and rough scanty hair, which is generally of 

 a brown colour. It lives gregariously, on the banks of lakes 

 and rivers, feeds on grass, and hollows out burrows to sleep 



Fig. 193. — Ground Pig (Attiacodns Swiudenanus') . 



in. At the appearance of danger, they plunge into the water, 

 in which they are perfectly at home. Carnivorous animals, 

 such as Jaguars, Cougars, &c., destroy them in great numbers. 

 They are also hunted by Man for the sake of their flesh, which 

 is said to be very good. , 



This Rodent is of a very docile disposition, and becomes quite 

 tame if taken young. It is very numerous in Guiana, and most 

 of the regions washed by the tributaries of the Amazon. 



Cohaya. — In respect of size, the Cobayas contrast singularly 

 with the Capybaras ; for they are not larger than Rats. These 

 pretty little animals are generally known under the name of 

 Guinea-Pigs. Their domestication dates back to a very distant 



