THE GROUND PIG. 
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banks of the pond, and then plnnge one after the other into the water. At times one is seen 
lying perfectly still on the surface of the pond or stream, with its body widely spread out, 
and as flat as can be. Suddenly it gives the water a smart slap with its tail, somewhat in the 
manner of the beaver, and disappears beneath the surface instantaneously, going down head 
foremost, and reminding one of the quickness and ease with which some species of ducks and 
grebes dive when shot at. 
“At the distance of ten or twenty yards, the Musk Rat comes to the surface again, and 
perhaps joins its companions in their sports ; at the same time others are feeding on the grassy 
banks, dragging off the roots of various kinds of plants, or digging underneath the edge of the 
bank. These animals seem to form a little community of social, playful creatures, who only 
require to be unmolested in order to be happy. 
“Should you fire off a fowling-piece while the Musk Rats are thus occupied, a terrible 
fright and dispersion ensues ; dozens dive at the flash of the gun, or disappear in their holes ; 
and although in the daytime, when they see imperfectly, one may be shot while swimming, 
it is exceedingly difficult to kill one at night. In order to ensure success, the gunner must 
be concealed, so that the animal cannot see the flash, even when he fires with a percussion 
lock.” 
Traps are also largely employed for the destruction of this gentle, but, unfortunately for 
itself, valuable animal. The traps are so arranged, that when the creature is taken, and 
struggles to get free, it jerks the trap into the water, and is thus drowned. If its companions 
discover it while still entrapped, they behave in the manner of the brown Rats, and tear their 
imprisoned companion to pieces. If one of these animals is shot, and not immediately 
retrieved, the survivors surround the dead body of their companion, and carry it off to their 
homes from the reach of its, murderer. In character it is quiet and gentle, and although 
armed with such powerful teeth, makes no offensive use of them, even when handled by man 
for the first time. 
The shy and retiring Hydromys, or Beaver Rat, is not a very rare animal in its native 
country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it is but seldom 
seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen’s Land, and is found inhabiting the 
banks of both salt and fresh water. It is an admirable swimmer and diver, reminding the 
spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it has a habit of sitting upright, 
supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the fore-feet for the conveyance of food 
to its mouth. 
The color of the Beaver Rat’s fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the body 
are of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides of the face, 
shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the body is golden 
yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of “chrysogaster,” which signifies “golden- 
bellied.” The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety is white. The total 
length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the body. The 
hinder feet are webbed. 
The Ground Pig is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and has a 
considerable affinity with the latter animals. 
It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea, where it 
is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and approximates closely 
to the quill-hairs of the true porcupines, being either flat and grooved above, or developed 
into flexile spines. The tail is but sparely covered with hair, and is rather short in proportion 
to the size of its owner. The hinder feet are only furnished with four toes, armed with large, 
rounded, and rather blunt claws. The ears are short and rounded. 
The Porcupine has long been rendered famous among men by the extraordinary armory 
of pointed spears which it bears upon its back, and which it was formerly fabled to launch at 
its foes with fatal precision. 
