arly a
score of animals dashed out of the bushes, and ran on towards the water.

These creatures were odd enough to fix the attention of the party at the
camp. They were about the size of small hogs--very much of the same
build--and covered with a thin sandy bristly hair, just like some hogs
are. They were not "pigheaded," however. Their heads were exactly like
those of the grey rabbit, and instead of hoofs they were toed and
clawed. This gave them altogether a lighter appearance than hogs, and
yet they did not run as fast, although when first noticed they appeared
to be doing their best.

Our travellers knew them at once, for they _were_ animals that are
common upon the rivers in all the warm parts of South America. They
were "_capivaras_," or "chiguires," as they are also called. These
creatures are peculiar to the American continent. They are, in fact,
"guinea-pigs" on a large scale, and bear the greatest resemblance to
those well-known animals, except in size and colour; for the capivaras
are of a uniform sandy brown. They are of the same genus as the
guinea-pigs, though the systematisers have put them into a separate one,
and have also made a third genus to suit another animal of very similar
shape and habits. This is the "moco," which is between the guinea-pig
and capivara in size, and of a greyish olive colour. All three are
natives of South America, and in their wild state are found only there,
though from the absurd name "guinea-pig," you may be led to think that
this little creature came originally from Africa.

The three are all "rodent" animals, and the capivara is the largest
"rodent" that is known. It, moreover, is amphibious, quite as much so
as the tapir, and it is found only near the banks of rivers. It is more
at home in the water than on dry land, or perhaps it has more numerous
enemies on land; though, poor, persecuted creature! it is not without
some in either element, as will be seen by what follows.

The drove of capivaras counted nearly a score, and they were making for
the water as fast as their legs could carry them. The crocodile lay
directly across their path, but their black eyes, large and prominent,
seemed to be occupied with something behind; and they had run up almost
against the body of the reptile before they saw it. Uttering a sort of
squeak they made a half-pause. Some sprang up and leaped over--others
attempted to go round. All succeeded except one; but the crocod