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VIZCACHERAS 
are more abundant in generic and specific types than 
any other existing order of mammals; and the reason 
for their abundance and variation may perhaps be sought 
for in their small size and retiring ways. They skulk, 
burrow, hide in holes, secrete themselves in leafy 
retreats, dive under the water, and generally shun obser- 
vation. Besides the few forms of rodents which will be 
noticed in the following pages, a good many forms are 
usually on view in the Zoological Gardens. There are, 
for instance, commonly to be seen beavers, once, and 
that within the historic period, a denizen of the British 
Islands; squirrels of many kinds, besides the so-called 
“flying ” squirrels with a parachute stretching from arm 
to leg ; the marmot of the Alps, and that of India ; many 
rats of diverse kinds; the South American agouti, 
and its ally the guinea pig (really Guiana pig); the hopping 
jerboa of the East, so like a small kangaroo, and 
related Cape jumping hare (Pedetes cafer); the little 
sandy coloured gerbilles and other rat-like creatures. 
THE VIZCACHA 
South America, which fosters the muff-producing 
chinchilla, also is inhabited by the vizcacha or Lagostomus 
tyichodactylus, a smallish rodent of the same family, 
Chinchillide. The tail is long and the colour is dark, 
agreeably diversified by white patches on the cheeks and 
below. Unlike the chinchilla, the vizcacha dwells on 
the Pampas, and constructs there burrows in the soil, 
which are associated in number to form veritable cities, 
the so-called “ vizcacheras.” Like many of the cur- 
sorial rodents, the Lagostomus has its toes reduced to 
four on each front limb, and three on each hind limb. 
The underground cities which the vizcachas build and 
inhabit, consist of many burrows which intercommuni- 
cate, so that if an enemy enters by one door the viz- 
cacha can bolt by another, like a pickpocket through 
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