APPENDIX— ZOOLOGY. 



503 



desirous to free themselves from their clothes, which retain the odious smell. Occasionally some are 

 killed before they use this defence, or unexpectedly before they see their enemy, or at a distance 

 when they do not anticipate the hunter. A naturalist, who dissected the Jaraticaca, found near the 

 urinal vessel a small receptacle of water, totally distinct from that of the bladder, and was persuaded 

 that the fetid matter proceeded from thence. The fat of this animal, applied externally, is a very 

 powerful emollient, and the flesh is said to have a good flavour when not infected with the fetid 

 water ; the skin is used for pockets : it passes for the civet-cat. 



The LoNTRA, or Otter, is an amphibious animal, much larger than that of Europe, equally 

 voracious and gluttonous of fish. The hair is red, short, and thick, and the skin esteemed. 



The Moco diflfers only from the Rabbit in having neither ears nor tail, and is only met with where 

 there are rocks, in the cavities of which it forms its dwelling-place. It is easily domesticated, and 

 then it becomes daring, and will ill-treat and even make the dogs fly. It is a mortal enemy to rats, 

 even more destructive to them than the cat. It is naturally extremely turbulent and treacherous, 

 but without sagacity to execute its evil designs, falling a prey to its own temerity. The life of this 

 animal is generally short. 



There are numerous species of the Monkey, distinguished only by the size and colour of the 

 hair. Those called by the Brazilians Guaribas generally proceed in bands, and, for the most 

 part, along the branches of trees, where the whole body make a noise that is heard two miles olF. 

 The Sahuins, some of which are the size of a rat, are handsome, and esteemed for the white 

 plumes or tufts that grow out of the ears. Of those called Barbados, the male has a sort of cup, 

 formed of bone, in the throat, which produces a loud and hoarse sound. Amongst others 

 we may notice those that have no regular dwelling-places, and do not put their feet in water. They 

 pass rivers, forming a chain by holding fast to each other, but if they should happen to fall into the 

 water they can swim like other quadrupeds. When they are on an excursion to rob the corn fields 

 of maize, one is always stationed as centinel, in a proper place to discover the approach of the 

 hunter. They have only one at a birth, which they carry upon the back with them for some days. 



The Onca, or Ounce, is a species of immense cat, of terrible aspect, with a frightful yell, or 

 roar. The largest is about twelve feet in length. 



There are five different kinds. Some of a dark colour, with small brilliant jet black spots, deno- 

 minated ihe Tiger ; others spotted with black and white, or yellow, displaying much symmetry, and 

 are properly called Ounces, or Panthers ; a third, with very small speckles ; a fourth with larger 

 spots, called Cangufus ; others, of a reddish colour, are the smallest, and are called Sucuarannas ; 

 the last only attack young cattle and small animals, but the former kill a horse or an ox in a moment. 

 A bull grown to full maturity is the only quadruped which resists not alarmed at this forocious 



animal. 



The hunting of the Ounce is less laborious but more dangerous than that of the Anta. The Bra- 

 zilians generally hunt it in large parties, well armed with guns, lances, and pitchforks, always 

 accompanied with dogs, and the greater the number less dangerous is the chase. Although this 

 beast is much larger, possesses incomparably greater strength, and is infinitely swifter than the dog, 

 for which it has a mortal hatred, on seeing one it always retires, as if having a presentiment of the 

 approach of the hunters. It does not proceed far till it climbs a tree, or, if hard pressed, makes a 

 terrible braying, and furiously attempts to catch some of the dogs, and if one comes within reach 

 of its paws it has not much chance of escape. If the hunter does not take his aim well, so as to 

 kill the Ounce upon the spot, it flies directly to the place where the smoke came from, and his fate 



