98 Quadrupeds. 
THE GUINEAPIG. (Cavia Cobaya.) 
This animal is generally white, variegated with red and 
black. It is a native of the Brazils, but now domesti- 
cated in most parts of Europe, and is about the size of a 
large rat, though more stoutly made, and without any 
tail ; and its legs and neck are so short, that the former 
are scarcely seen, and the latter seems stuck upon its 
shoulders. Guineapigs, though they have a disagree- 
able smell, are extremely cleanly, and the male and 
female may be often seen alternately employed in 
smoothing each other's skins, disposing their hair, and 
improving its gloss. They sleep like the hare with 
their eyes half open, and continue watchful if they 
apprehend any danger. They are veiy fond of dark 
retreats ; previously to their quitting which, they look 
round, and seem to listen attentively ; then, if the road 
be clear, they sally forth in quest of food, but run back 
on the slightest alarm. They utter a sound like the 
snore of a young pig. The female begins to produce 
young when only two months old, and as she does so 
every two or three months, and has sometimes as many 
as twelve at a time, a thousand might be raised from a 
single pair in the course of a year. They are naturally 
gentle and tame ; as incapable of mischief as they seem 
to be of good, although rats are said to avoid their 
locality. The upper lip is only half divided; it has 
two cutting teeth in each jaw, and large and broad ears. 
They feed on bread, grain, and vegetables. 
