THE GUINEA-PIG. 
85 
THE GUINEA-PIG. 
GUINEA PIGS AND WHITE MICE. 
Guinea-pigs are far less popular now among boys than they used to be; 
and no wonder, for they are stupid little things, and, as our old gardener 
was accustomed contemptuously to observe of a specimen on which we 
lavished much unrequited affection, in our younger days, are 11 of no use to 
nobody.'" All they seem capable of doing is to give a pretty good imitation 
of a pig, as they run about grunting, from corner to corner. The guinea- 
pig is a native of Brazil; it feeds on grain and fruits, and may be kept in a 
domestic state on sopped bread and vegetables, with an occasional slice of 
apple or a similar fruit. In its wild state the guinea-pig is extraordinarily 
prolific, and a single pair, it is said, might be multiplied so as to produce a 
thousand within a year. In their native country they would become abso¬ 
lutely innumerable, were it not for the many enemies against whom they 
have to contend. Among these may be enumerated dogs, cats, and other 
animals, which greedily devour their young, and inclement weather and 
damp, by which vast numbers aro annually destroyed. In size they are 
considerably less than a rabbit; the upper lip is only half divided; they 
have two cutting teeth in each jaw, and their ears are broad and erect. 
They are of varied colors, white, black, and fawn; the tortoise-shell (i. e .), 
a mixture of three colors, is generally preferred. Some of the white ones 
have red eyes, similar to ferrets and white rabbits. Their flesh is said 
greatly to resemble that of the rabbit in flavor; and it is moreover asserted, 
that those kept in houses contract the flavor of the wild, or warren rabbit, 
while the guinea-pigs that run about the garden have the more insipid taste 
of the domestic rabbit; but we do not think our young friends will make 
the trial. 
