hey are therefore very
naturally grouped with the latter. They derive their trivial name from
the habit of uttering a note, which somewhat resembles the piping of a
quail, and which can be heard at a very great distance. This note is
repeated three or four times at night and morning, but is seldom heard
during the middle of the day, unless when the weather is cloudy.

The calling hares are distributed over Asia and North America. At least
two species belong to the Himalayan country, and one is found in Cabul.
In Siberia and Northern Russia there is another, called the Eadajac; and
several species inhabit the northern countries of America--some so small
as scarcely to exceed the dimensions of a rat! The Little Chief is one
of these tiny creatures long known; but late explorers of the Rocky
Mountain regions have discovered a species still smaller than the little
chief.

The _Cavies_ appear to represent the hare family in the tropical parts
of America. It is true that these last differ from hares in many
particulars; but they have also many points of resemblance, and they may
be grouped together in a very natural manner. They live much in the
same manner; they are swift and inoffensive as the hares; but, instead
of being clothed in soft wool, which would be altogether unsuitable to
the climate in which they dwell, the cavies have a covering of hair so
fine and thin as to convey to the touch a feeling of coolness rather
than warmth. Some of the cavies are among the largest animals of the
Rodent Family; for instance, the great Capivara, which is equal in size
to an ordinary pig. This species is not a swift runner upon land; but
it is semi-aquatic in its habits, and can swim and dive like an otter,
its feet being webbed or palmated. It herds in troops of from five or
ten to fifty in number, and is found upon the banks of all the great
South American rivers, where it has for its chief enemy the fierce
jaguar.

The Guinea Pig is one of the family of cavies. This beautiful little
animal is too well-known to require description. It may be remarked,
however, that the name Guinea Pig is altogether a mistake, since the
creature is found wild only in South America, and is _not_ a native of
Guinea in Africa. Very likely it was originally brought from Guiana,
and this has led to the misnomer. There are several species of Guinea
pig in South America, differing from one another in size, shape, and
colour. Besides the lar