19 
ACOUCHYj AND ROCK CAYY. 
i 
Acouchy. 
This animal, which is by some regarded as a 
variety of the agouti, differs in being somewhat 
smaller, rather thinner, and entirely of an olive 
colour, paler, or more inclined to whitish beneath ; 
the tail is also longer than on the agouti. It is 
a native of tho same parts of South America with 
the agouti; is of a similar manner; and is also 
tamed with equal readiness. We are informed by 
Mens, de la Borde, that it does not attempt the 
water like the agouti, but will rather suffer itself 
to be taken. Mons. de la Borde also adds, that 
it produces but one young at a time. Its voice 
resembles that of the cavia cob ay a, or guineas 
P*g- 
Rock cavy, or aperea. 
This species has also its upper lip divided 
short ears ; four toes on the fore feet, and three 
on the bind. It lias no tail. The -colour of the 
upper part of its body is black, mottled with 
tawny ; but its throat and belly are white. It is 
one foot in length, and inhabits Brasil, living 
in the boles of rocks, whence it is driven out, and 
taken by little dogs. For the table, it is prefer- 
able to our best rabbits ; its motions are like those 
of the hare. Some of them resemble the hare in 
colour too ; but the head is longer, and the ears 
are not above an inch in length; the fore legs 
exceed not three inches ; those behind are a little 
longer. 
