In all parts of the continent,--on the banks of the streams flowing
through the Llanos of Venezuela, as well as by the side of the La Plata
and its tributaries,--the capybara, the largest rodent in existence, may
be seen, seated on its haunches, like others of its family. It is of
the size of a moderately large hog about two years old. It has a large
head, and thick divided nose, on each side of which are long whiskers.
The ears are small and rounded; the eyes are black and of considerable
size; and the upper jaw much longer than the lower,--which gives the
face a curious appearance. The body is thick, covered with short,
coarse brown hair, and destitute of a tail. The neck is short, as are
the legs--with remarkably long feet, which are also very broad, the
claws of a blunt form, and approximate in shape to the hoofs of the
Pachydermata. They are partly webbed, and thus adapted to the aquatic
life it enjoys, and which has gained for it the name of the water-hog.
Though it feeds on vegetables, it is also fond of fish, to catch which
it enters the water, swimming after them with the rapidity of an otter.
When seen at a distance as they run over the ground, from their colour
they look like pigs; but when seen seated on their haunches, attentively
watching any object with one eye, as is their habit, their true
character is known.
Darwin describes his observing a party of several. As he approached
nearer and nearer they made their peculiar noise,--which is a low,
abrupt grunt, not having much actual sound, but rather arising from the
sudden expulsion of air. The only noise like it is the first hoarse
bark of a large dog. Having watched them from almost within
arm's-length and they him for several minutes, they rushed into the
water with the greatest impetuosity, emitting at the same time their
usual bark. After diving a short distance they came again to the
surface, but just showed the upper part of their heads. When the female
is swimming and has young ones, they are said to sit on her back.
The capybara is classed with the Cavidae or guinea-pig tribe. When not
persecuted, it is very tame; but in the regions frequented by the jaguar
it becomes his easy and constant prey. It is of a mild disposition, and
is sometimes tamed. Its flesh is rather dry, and has a somewhat musky
flavour, but affords wholesome food to man.