-legs being very long, it leaps over the
ground at considerable speed. As it is very fond of the sugar-cane,
wherever plantations exist it is hunted without mercy, and driven from
the district.

The smaller agouti, rather less than a rabbit, generally inhabits forest
districts; and as it is there a nocturnal animal, it spends the chief
part of the day in its hiding-place--usually the cleft of a rock or the
hollow of a decaying tree--twenty or thirty creatures congregating
together. Here their nests are formed of soft leaves, where the young
are placed till they are able to accompany their parents on their
predatory expeditions. It is a gentle little creature, and when caught,
instead of attempting to bite, only gives vent to a piteous cry.

The larger agouti, or mara, is sometimes classed between the agoutis and
the pacas. It is more easily tamed than the smaller species, and the
fur is handsomer--of black, white, and golden brown.

THE PACA (COELOGENYS).

The paca--another rodent--is remarkable for its enormously-developed
cheek-bone, and for the thick pouch which it possesses. Like its big
relation, the capybara, it always takes up its abode in the
neighbourhood of water. It forms a burrow so near the surface, that a
person walking over it suddenly steps through. It generally makes three
openings, which it covers with dry leaves and branches. The Indian
easily discovers the entrances, when he closes up two of the apertures,
and watches till the paca ventures out of the third. The little animal,
however, defends itself bravely, and will severely bite its assailant.

It is of a thick, clumsy form, measuring about two feet in length from
the tip of the nose to the extremity of the body, and about one foot in
height. The hinder limbs are long, the front ones much bent. Its feet
are armed with thick, strong, conical claws, suitable for digging.

Though a clumsy-looking creature, it can run and jump with great
activity. It makes a noise somewhat like the grunting of a young pig.
It lives upon fruits and tender plants, going out from its hole to
forage at night, but generally remaining concealed during the daytime.
When alarmed it readily takes to the water, and dives and swims
remarkably well.

Bates describes a tame cutea, or an agouti, which he found feeding in
the neighbourhood of a village, nibbling the fallen fruits of the
inaja-palm. On his trying to catch it, instead of betaking itself, as
he tho