Chinchilla
a genus of South American herbivorous rodents very closely allied to the rabbit, which they resemble in the general shape of the body, in the limbs being longer behind than before, in the conformation of the rootless molars, and by the nature of the fur, CHINCHILLA which is more woolly than silky; but differing from the rabbit in the number of their incisors and molars, in a greater length of tail, and also in having broader and more rounded ears. C. lanigera, a species about 15 inches long, is covered with a beautiful pearly-gray fur, which is highly esteemed as stuff for muffs, pelisses, linings, etc. The chinchilla lives gregariously in the mountains of most parts of South America, and makes numerous and very deep burrows. It is of a gentle nature, very sportive, losing none of its gaiety in captivity, and very cleanly.