GUINEA PIG. 
11 
toes,, having four toes on the feet before,, and but 
three on those behind. It strokes its head with 
the fore feet, li'ke a rabbit ; and like it, sits upon 
the hind feet ; for which purpose,, there is a 
naked callous skin on the back part of the legs 
and feet. 
These animals are, of all others, the most help- 
less and inoffensive. They are scarce possessed of 
courage sufficient to defend themselves against the 
meanest of all quadrupeds, a mouse. Their only ani- 
mosity is exerted against each other ; for they will 
often fight very obstinately ; and the stronger is 
often known to destroy the weaker. But against 
all other aggressor's, their only remedy is patience 
and non-resistance. 
As to their manner of living among us, they owe 
their lives entirely to our unceasing protection. 
They must be constantly attended, shielded from 
the excessive colds of the winter, and secured 
against all other domestic animals,, which are 
apt to attack them from every motive/either of ap- 
petite, jealousy, or experience of their pusillani- 
mous nature. Such, indeed, is their stupidity, 
that they suffer themselves to be devoured by the 
cats without resistance ; and, differing from all 
other creatures, the female sees her young destroy- 
ed without once attempting to protect them. 
Their usual food is bran, parsley, or cabbage 
leaves ; but there is scarce a vegetable cultivated 
in our gardens, that they will not gladly devour. 
The carrot top is a peculiar dainty ; as also salad ; 
and those who would preserve their healths, would 
do right to vary their food ; for if they he con- 
tinued on a kind too succulent or too dry, the 
effects are quickly perceived upon their constitu- 
tions. When fed upon recent vegetables, they sel- 
dom drink. But it often happens that, conducted 
by nature, they seek drier food, when the former 
