46G 
MAMMALIA. 
have no tail, or if any, quite rudimentary. Tlie Cavies belong 
exclusively to South America, and they are divided into four 
principal genera — the Capybaras, the Cobay as, the Cavia Pacas, 
or Spotted Cavies, and the Agoutis. 
Capybara . — The Capybaras, also called Hydrochceres, and Water- 
Pigs (Fig. 199), are the largest of all the Podents. The only 
species which has yet been observed measures three feet in length 
and a foot and a half in height. This animal possesses a massive 
body, a large head, short and rounded ears, moderately long legs, 
semi- webbed toes, and rough scanty hair, which is generally of 
a brown colour. It lives gregariously, on the banks of lakes 
and rivers, feeds on grass, and hollows out burrows to sleep 
rig. 198. — Ground Pig ( Auiacodus Swinderianus ) . 
in. At the appearance of danger, they plunge into the water, 
in which they are perfectly at home. Carnivorous animals, 
such as Jaguars, Cougars, &c., destroy them in great numbers. 
They are also hunted by Man for the sake of their flesh, which 
is said to be very good. 
This Podent is of a very docile disposition, and becomes quite 
tame if taken young. It is very numerous in Guiana, and most 
of the regions washed by the tributaries of the Amazon. 
Cobay a . — In respect of size, the Cobay as contrast singularly 
with the Capybaras ; for they are not larger than Pats. These 
pretty little animals are generally known under the name of 
Guinea-Pigs. Their domestication dates back to a very distant 
