HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 345 



The GUINEA-PIG, or Restless CAVY. 



THIS little animal, though a native of Brazil, lives 

 and propagates in temperate, and even in cold cli- 

 mates, when protected from the inclemency of the fea- 

 fons.— -Great numbers are kept in a domeftic ftate *, but 

 for what purpofe can hardly be determined. They have 

 neither beauty nor utility to recommend them : Their 

 ikins are of little value ; and their flefh, though eatable, 

 is far from being good* Their habits and difpofition are 

 equally unpleafant and difgufting : Void of -attachment 

 even to their own offspring, they fuffer them to be de- 

 voured the moment they are brought forth, without mak- 

 ing the final left attempt to defend them. The males fre- 

 quently deftroy their own young ; and are fo ftupid, as 

 to allow themfelves to be killed by Cats, without refin- 

 ance. They pafs their whole lives in fleeping, eating, 

 and in the propagation of their fpecies. They are by na- 

 ture gentle and tame : They do no mifchief, but feem to 

 be equally incapable of good. — Rats are faid to avoid the 

 places where they refide. 



The Guinea-Pig is confiderably lefs than the Rabbit ; 

 its upper lip is only half divided ; it has two cutting- 

 teeth in each jaw j large and broad ears; its hair is of 

 different colours,— white, varied with orange and black, 



