354 
THE STORY OF THE CARPINCHO. 
the four, from almost within arm’s length for several minutes, they rushed 
into the water at full gallop., with the greatest impetuosity, and emitted at 
the same time their bark. After diving a short distance, they came again 
to the surface, but only just showed the upper parts of their heads. 
In other places the carpincho occurs in larger herds, which may com¬ 
prise twenty or more individuals. The usual pace of the animal is a long 
trot, of no great swiftness; but when pressed it will advance in a series of 
leaps. It has no regular lair, although the herd generally returns to the 
THE CARPINCHO OR WATER HOG. 
same part of the river bank. The general food consists of water plants and 
the bark of voung trees, but in the neighborhood of cultivated lands car- 
pinchos will consume large quantities of watermelons, maize, rice and 
sugarcane. In disposition these animals are quiet and peaceful, not to say 
stupid, and they never appear to indulge in sportive gambols. They occupy 
their time either in feeding or in reposing in a listless manner on the banks 
of the rivers or lakes they frequent. When thus reposing, one individual 
will from time to time raise its head to see if any foe be approaching, 
and if an alarm arise they soon plunge headlong into the water. 
