OF QUADRUPEDS. 
83 
GUINEA-PIG, OR CAVI. 
The Guinea-Pig, though originally a na- 
tive of the warm climates of Brazil and 
Guinea, lives, however, and breeds in tem- 
perate and even in cold countries, provided 
it is properly taken care of. It feeds on all 
sorts of herbs, and especially on parsley, 
which it prefers even to bran, flour, or bread. 
Ofapplesandothcr fruits it is also exceedingly 
fond. These animals are so delicate, that it 
is with difficulty they survive the rigours of 
winter. When they feel cold, they assemble 
together, press close to each other, and in 
this situation are frequently found dead. 
There is no doubt but this species belongs 
to the genus of the rat and mouse, although 
one of its principal characteristics is the 
entire want of a tail, a limb generally so 
long and conspicuous in all the others. 
