Let this fetid animal be succeeded by the ridiculous biscacha, which
closely resembles a hare, has a tail like that of a fox, and is marked
with black and white spots. Its hair is exceedingly soft. In the plains,
particularly in the more elevated situations, these animals dig
themselves burrows so artfully, that no part of them is exposed to the
rain. They are divided into separate apartments, as several families
usually inhabit the same place. On the surface of the earth many doors
are opened into the cave, at which crowds of them sit at sun-set, and
carefully listen if any one be approaching; but if all is quiet they go
out to pasture on moonlight nights, and make deplorable havoc in the
neighbouring plains; for they are extremely fond of wheat and maize, and
if either of these is to be had, will not feed on grass. At the doors of
their burrows they heap up dry bones, bits of wood, and any other
rubbish they can light upon, but for what purpose, no one hitherto has
been able even to conjecture. The Spanish rustics sometimes amuse
themselves with hunting these animals. They pour many pitchers of water
into their subterranean dwellings, so that, to avoid drowning, the
creatures leap out into the plain, and, no opportunity of escape being
allowed them, are killed with stakes. Their flesh, unless they be very
old, is not despised, even by the Spaniards.