Cavia

(ka've-ah.) (Zool.) A gen. of Rodent i a, family Hystricide, comprising the Cavies, Cobayes, or Guinea Pigs, distinguished by the po e ion of 8 grinders on either side of the jaw, and by two wedge-shaped incisors in front; tail short or absent, and no clavicle. They have generally a slow, and sometimes a leaping pace; they live on vegetable substances, and in their natural state inhabit excavations under ground, or beneath the roots of trees, or other rece es which they either find ready prepared, or form for themselves. The Common Guinea Pig is indigenous to South America, but is now found also in a domestic state in all parts of the world. It is in no way related to the pig. The head and nose resemble those of a hare, and the eyes are large and round. The Spotted Cavy is a large species, measuring nearly two feet in length. It is chiefly found in Guiana and Brazil. [s. 156]