THE VIZGACHA 



(Lagostomus trichodactylus) 



The Vizeacha: is one of the most characteristic animals of the Pampas 

 region of South America,' where its habits have been closely studied by 

 many observers, especially by Mr. W. H. Hudson in Argentina. It is about 

 the size of a Hare, the male being considerably larger than the female, 

 which is also lighter in colour; the young closely resemble the adults in 

 miniature. The tail is bushy, and the feet have four toes On the front 

 paws, but only three on the hind.; In its movements the Vizeacha is 

 clumsy; when going about slowly it rests its hind-limbs On the hocks 

 in an awkward-ldoking; way, and its' speed is so small that no Dog can 

 fail to overtake it.' Thus it relies for defence on its' power of burrow- 

 ing, and 6n the social habits which make the , " Vizcachera " a little self- 

 supporting community, somewhat like that of the Beavers in the North. 



A Vizeacha' colony is usually started 'by ! some old male, who digs out 

 his subterranean dwelling in some favourable, spot ;> ultimately he is joined 

 by , others; and: 'a ■; warren is 'formed. ,~ The earth thrown up out of the 

 burrows, which are very wide at the mouth, :makes a. mound, securing the 

 inmates against the danger! oTifloods,; and their continual cropping of the 

 herbage creates a smooth close turf for' some", distance, round ;their homes, 

 on which they can play 'and Teed; in security, "being able to see an enemy 

 frdm some 7 distance^ and so escape in time.' J '■:':■.' : ->) -:>....■' 



Vizcachas tare ^oqtotnaianimals,, and it is: hot iilL nightfall that they 

 come forth,- ktn first sitting on their haunches at the ^entrance of their 

 holes, the lady members of the party conspicuous by their alert arid lively 

 behaviours They have a cohsideraHlejrariety of notes, arid the squeaks, 

 squeals, gnints, and groans that they are able' to produce -have quite the 

 effect of an animated conversation. ' Like rodents generally, tr^ey have a 

 passioH^for exercising their 'teeth; and /are particularly fond of gnawing 



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