History of All Animals. 149

# ON INDIAN DOGS

In the New World, the canine race varies beyond the differences known in the Old World. The natives call the first kind *Xoloitzcuintli*. It is larger in body, usually exceeding three cubits in length, and is not covered in hair, but only a soft skin speckled with yellow and dark blue spots.

They name the second kind *Itzeuintli tepotzotli*, named after Michoacán, the land of its origin. It resembles Maltese dogs and varies in white, black, and yellow colors. It is kept as a pet and is very well-regarded, although it almost lacks a neck, with a certain unsightly hump protruding above its shoulders.

The third kind is called *Techichi* by the natives. It is otherwise similar to our own dogs, except that it has a mournful expression. To the Indians, it is edible. They raise these dogs for food just as Spaniards do rabbits; those intended for the table are castrated because they fatten quickly. They keep a large number of females for breeding but only a small number of males.

Furthermore, the natives have a type of very small dog they call *Alco*, in whose company they take marvelous delight. Indeed, they will even deprive themselves of food to feed them. When they travel, they carry these dogs with them, either on their shoulders or in their laps. When they are sick, they are comforted by the inseparable companionship and familiarity of these little pups.

There are also mute dogs among the Indians with fox-like faces; the island of Cozumel is where they are bred. Even when struck, they let out neither a groan nor a cry.

The Indians call the mountain dog *Tepeitzcuintli*. Although it is of medium size, it is a very bold animal, attacking deer and sometimes even killing them. Its entire body is black, but its head, chest, and neck are white. It has long hair, a long tail, and a canine head. When domesticated, it eats egg yolks and bread dissolved in warm water.

Finally, it should be noted that common dogs brought from Spain to Hispaniola have increased in number and size and have begun to run through the forests in packs like highly destructive wolves. Consequently, a reward has been established for those who kill them, just as it is for wolf hunters among us.

# ON WILD CATS

The Indians call a certain kind of wild cat, or rather a weasel, the *Tepemaxtlaton*. This animal is similar in size to a common cat, but its snout is long, its ears are small, its legs are short, and its tail is decorated with alternating black and white bands. It is covered in black hair, though mixed with white. Powder made from this animal is said to be beneficial for those suffering from fevers.

The Indians call another kind of wild cat or weasel the *Quauhtentzo*. It lives in the warm regions of Xonotla and somewhat resembles a small fox. It has a very long tail and very soft, dark hair marked with black spots. It is a very gentle animal, as it will approach people it knows and those in the household. Garments of great value are made from its skin, both for decoration and to ward off the harms of the cold.