74 
trees. It is very fond of the water, and when chased always takes shelter 
there. This animal has been accused of doing injury to the sugar canes — an 
accusation I think unfounded, as during nearly three years I was intimately 
acquainted with all the principal planters of Ilheos and must have heard 
of it if such had been the case. I believe the harm is really done by the 
Racoon before mentioned. The Paca does, however, eat cocoa. Its flesh is 
delicious. 
The Capybara, Hydrochoerus capybara, is certainly the most curious of the 
Brazilian animals. Its bristly hair and great size are quite exceptional 
features in the Kodent family. It is a water loving animal, and is never 
found at any distance from a river. It not only swims well, but is a good 
diver, and can remain under water more than five minutes. It does great 
damage to the rice plantations. 
Several species of Aperea occur, but I know little about them. 
In the interior I found two species of the Tapeti. These much resemble 
the English rabbit, but are smaller. The Tapir, called in Portuguese the 
Anta, is not uncommon. It lives in the woods, but is most frequent near 
rivers. It is usually captured in deep pits slightly covered over with palm 
leaves and vegetable debris. It is easily tamed, and is a quiet inoffensive 
animal, although it will occasionally inflict severe wounds on the dogs. Its 
flesh is not particularly good, and is not unlike ordinary beef. 
At least two species of wild Pigs are found in Brazil. The smaller one, 
Dycotyles tajasu, is most commonly met with near plantations, where it 
plays sad havoc with the mandioc. The white lipped Peccary, Dycotyles 
labiatus, is chief]}/ met with in the woods, rarely entering the plantations. 
In my opinion it is the most dangerous antagonist met with in the country, 
and I would certainly rather fight a Jaguar than a brave band of white lipped 
Peccaries. More than once I have been obliged to climb a tree in order to 
get out of their reach. When angry they clash their teeth smartly together, 
producing a sound audible at some distance. 
Three or four species of Armadillos are not uncommon. The largest, 
Priodonia gigas, called the Tetuasu, is frequently found in the cemetery of 
Ilheos. A smaller species, which I believe to be the Dasypus peba, called 
the Taturabe molle, or soft tail, is the commonest of all. It burrows with 
incredible rapidity. 
Several species of Ant-eaters occur, the largest, Myrmecophaga jubata, is 
not uncommon. I was once compelled by hunger to eat its flesh, and found 
it abominable. 
The Tamandua, Myrmecophaga tamandua, is the most common species. It 
is so variable, that I do not think I ever saw two exactly alike. It is said 
to eat honey. 
