124 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



(155) THE SPOTTED OAYY. 

 (CCELOGENYS PACA— {Linn.) ) 



Desertion. — About 2 feet long, of a compact form, limbs slender, 

 colour of the hair of the back and sides yellowish brown ; beneath white ; 

 upon each side of the body are arranged rows of white spots. The most 

 characteristic feature of the species is the cavity in the cheek, formed by 

 the expansion and development of the zygomatic arches, and opening 

 into the mouth by a small aperture. 



Hab. — Central and South America. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 From June 1882 to January 1885. 



(156) THE CENTEAL AMEEICAN AGOUTI. 

 (DASYPEOCTA ISTHMICA— Alston.) 

 Hab.— Central America. 



(157) THE HAIEY-EUMPED AGOUTI. 

 (DASYPEOCTA PEYMNOLOPHA— Wagl.) 



Hab. — Guiana. 



The agoutis resemble the mouse deer (pages 159-60) in external 

 appearance, but are of a heavier build ; general colour of the body 

 chocolate brown. The hair of the latter species is somewhat longer 

 on the hinder quarters, and of a dark colour. 



Length of life in captivity. 

 One of the former obtained in 1878 is still alive. 



(158) THE GUINEA PIG. 

 (CAVIA POECELLUS— (Linn.) ) 

 Hab. — South America. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — The viscacha and the spotted cavy may be generally 

 treated like the marmots, with this exception that the spotted cavy is 

 fond of water, and provision should be made to supply it. For the 

 agoutis and guinea pigs no earth is necessary, but they must have 

 retiring boxes for concealment. 



Food. — Like other rodents, they feed on grain, vegetables, roots, 

 and biscuits; fresh kalmi (Convolvulus reptens) should be given to the 

 guinea pigs. 



