The astonishment of the spectators is increased when you actually show the card; for, having made them observe, in the first instance, that you did not even look at the drawn card, they are utterly at a loss to discover the means you employed to find out and produce the card in question.
CHAPTER XVIII.
PETS
Cavies or Guinea Pigs.—In starting these little chats, suppose we commence with cavies. Some who ought to know better have said that cavies are very dull, stupid little animals, but I entirely disagree with this, as will also the lad who has kept them for ever so short a time; they are bright, intelligent little fellows, and most pleasant to make pets of, and although they belong to the rodent or rat family are not the least vicious. Cavies are extremely clean in their habits, very handsome in colour, and if their little houses are kept clean there is no disagreeable smell from them.
Now before you buy your “guineas” you should build and furnish their house, and I will proceed to tell you how to do this. The selection of a suitable place comes first. If you live in the country there is generally an outhouse or wood-shed, and if so here is the spot to commence operations; if, on the other hand, you only have a small garden or back-yard, then select a spot in it which gets a fair share of pure air and sunlight, and which is protected from the cruel east winds. The smooth-haired cavy must have a hutch not less than 2 ft. long, 18 to 20 in. from front to back, and about the same height. Let the floor of your hutch have a slight fall to the back so as to carry off the moisture; the roof must also have a slope, and should be covered with tarred felt, or brown paper well tarred and sanded, which makes a capital waterproof covering. In the front of your hutch have a closely and well-fitting wooden door, large enough for you to clean out the interior comfortably; the other portion of the front must be covered with wire netting of a very close mesh. Be sure that your doors fasten securely, as some cavies have a habit of shaking them, and if not properly secured, open comes the door and out drops poor guinea, who is almost sure to be killed. It is always best to have the hutch two or three feet from the ground, and resting on four legs, which is much better than nailing it to the wall. After having got so far, go carefully over your work to see that there are no cracks or crannies in your hutch, as these let in draughts, which lead to disease and death. Cover the floor of the hutch with fine sawdust, and over this some sweet chopped hay, and your house is ready for its occupants.
Without going fully into the history of the cavy, I may say that it is a native of South America, where in many parts it is very numerous. In its wild state the cavy, where the ground is suitable, burrows like a rabbit; in damp, marshy places it hides under the many plants that flourish in such neighbourhoods. They are not difficult to catch, and not being of a savage nature are easily tamed. In their native haunts they are greatly esteemed as an article of food, and although I have never had the pleasure of tasting cavy flesh, I am told by those who have, and who are well able to give an opinion, that it is delicious; and I see no reason to doubt it, as cavies are exceedingly cleanly in their habits and feeding.
There are several varieties of cavies, and as these are bred in almost every colour they afford the greatest pleasure, not only to the lad who is fond of experimenting, but also to hundreds of men and women. That the various colours can be easily bred and well fixed, has been proved beyond doubt by the many handsome little specimens that are to be seen at any of our exhibitions to-day. As we have them now, we may for our purpose divide the cavy into three classes or divisions, namely, long-haired (Peruvians), rough-haired (Abyssinian), and smooth-haired; but before going on with their description I would like to say a word as to handling them. This may seem superfluous, but it is not so, as they are easily injured; therefore, when you have occasion to lift your pet put your finger and thumb of the right hand round its neck, not tightly, but sufficiently firm to hinder it slipping, gently raise it and place it on your left hand, and so it can be safely lifted about and handled. In mating your cavies remember that the boar (male) controls the colour and outward characteristics of the future family, consequently he should be as typical in colour and shape as possible, and not younger than ten or twelve months; the sow (female) must not be less than about six months old, and in selecting her see that she is very tame and gentle, as she gives the inward characteristics to the young ones. Of course, in keeping cavies, as in any other variety of pets, a very great deal depends on the individual fancy, and, therefore, I shall give a short description of the three classes mentioned, and leave you boys to select which you think will give you the greatest pleasure.
The Peruvian Cavy.—The Peruvian cavy is noted for its long hair, which is its chief characteristic, and when nicely combed and brushed it would be hard to find a handsomer little fellow. The hair grows right over its head and face, so that it is sometimes difficult to see either its eyes or ears; yet its beautiful bright eyes are always on the look out, and can see you and all your movements. On the body the hair grows to such a length that it trails on the ground, some actually having it as long as seven or eight inches. The hair or fur should be as long, soft, and silky as possible, and to keep it in proper order a good deal of attention is necessary; it grows very evenly from a natural parting, from the crown of the head to the stern, falling over to each side, and to keep your pet neat and trim as well as healthy you must brush its coat regularly, using a soft brush, and if any part is matted take a wide-toothed comb and very gently comb it out. You boys know what it is to comb your hair when it is matted, and how it hurts if roughly done. Remember, therefore, that without care you will not only cause your pet pain, but, as the fur or hair on it is only, comparatively speaking, slightly attached to the skin, carelessness will result in pulling it out, thus leaving bare and unsightly patches. If, however, the brush is regularly used, there will be little or no need of the comb.