73 
Bats are very numerous, and some of them are very large. One speeie s 
of Vampire Bat measures thirty inches across the wings. Cattle and horses 
suffer much from their attacks, sometimes even men are wounded during 
their sleep, but this is rare. 
The Jaguar, Leopardus onca, is now somewhat rare on the coast, though 
rather common in the great forest, where its footprints are very frequently 
seen, bat the animal, from its stealthy habits, is seldom to be met with. A. 
Jaguar hunt is attended with little danger to man if many dogs are present, 
for while fighting with the dogs, to whom the Jaguar has a great antipathy, 
it may be approached with impunity. 
The Puma, Leopardus concolor, called in Portuguese the Susuerana, is 
more frequently met with than the Jaguar, and is supposed to be a much 
less courageous animal. Various Ocelots also occur. They vary much in 
colour and are very destructive to poultry. Two species of Otters are aLo 
found, but are rare. 
A Racoon, called by the natives Maspellida, is sometimes met with, 
but from its cunning and nocturnal habits is seldom killed. It is extremely 
variable in colour. The specimen I shot was blackish brown, with irregular 
yellowish bands on the body ; the tail had alternate black and yellow rings. 
The species may perhaps be Procyon cancrivorus . 
The Coaiti, Nasua rufa, is a lively little animal, frequently met with in 
small companies. It is easily domesticated, but from its destructive habits 
is not a pleasant companion. This species varies much in colour. 
Two Marsupials are common in the Brazils, skulls of which are now before 
you ; they may, I think, be referred to Didelphis azara and Didelplris guica. 
They are generally found about houses and in plantations. Whales of various 
kinds are frequently found on the coast. 
I certainly expected to find a large number of Rodents in Brazil, but I am 
acquainted with some dozen species only. The ordinary brown Rat is 
common everywhere, but the Mouse, here called Rata calanga, is confined to 
the towns. I twice met with a species of Porcupine, that appears to me 
decidedly different from Cercolabes prehensilis. It is smaller and the spines 
are yellow tipped with black, but it has the prehensile tail. It is met with 
chiefly in sandy places. 
The Agouti, Dasyproda agouti, called in Brazil the Coteia, is perhaps the 
most common animal in the country. Its flesh is good but rather dry. When 
chased by dogs it generally runs in a circle, and endeavours to take shelter 
in fallen trees or amongst stones. If it takes shelter in a hollow tree its 
extrication is attended with difficulty and some danger, as snakes may be 
driven out with the Agouti. 
The "Paca," Ccelogenys paca, is nearly as common as the preceding 
species. It burrows in the earth, but I never heard of its living in hollow 
