AGOUTI DASVL'UOCTA. 



429 



The smaller agouti, rather less than a rabbit, generally in- 

 habits forest districts ; and as it is there a nocturnal animal, 

 it spends the chief part of the day in its hiding-place — usually 

 (he cleft of a rock or the hollow of a decaying tree — twenty or 

 thirty creatures congregating together. Here their nests are 

 formed of soft leaves, where the young are placed till they are 

 able to accompany their parents on their predatory cxpedi- 



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 ft I n.an" 

 I. CAPYBA.RA. 2. AGOOTI. 



tions. It is a gentle little creature, and when caught, instead 

 of attempting to bite, only gives vent to a piteous cry. 



The larger agouti, or mara, is sometimes classed between 

 the agoutis and the pacas. It is more easily tamed than the 

 smaller species, and the fur is handsomer — of black, white, and 

 solden brown. 



