GUINEA PEPPER, specifically the grim of the plant Ansommu meleguetta, but also a general term for the seeds of different plants because of their peppery nature. Thus the seeds of the shrub Xylopio letkiopica ig, so called, although it is often termed Ethiopian pepper. In the 18th century the trade in these •grainsI* was thriving in West Africa, but the introduction of Eastern peppers killed the trade in West Africa.
a small, variable domesti cated race of an uncertain South American species of cavy (see CAvY), bred in all parts of the world as a children's pet. It is about six inches long and exists in several races, some short-haired, others with long, curiously ruffled hair. The colors are greatly varied, white, black and a mixture in quaint pattern of white and tan being preferred. It is a restless, grunt ing little creature, showing a small amount. of intelligence, but gentle and amusing. It feeds on vegetables, bread, parsley, lettuce, etc, and is exceedingly cleanly in its habits. It begins to breed when five or six months old, the period of gestation being from 9 to 10 weeks, and the litters averaging four to five; and this extreme fecundity seems to be its only means of defense against extinction. The name is probably a
corruption of *Guiana-pig,* referring to its native home and its pig-like form and grunting, English children call them They are bred by fanciers for show purposes and clubs exist for the improvement of standard breeds"; and they are also in much demand as subject4 of experiment in medical and bacteriological laboratories. Consult Crandall, (New York 1918).
a nematode worm (Fi laria medinensis), the female of which may be three feet long, and as thick as a knitting needle. It is a parasite in the feet and toes of residents of the East Indies and African coast, forming abscesses beneath the skin in which the worm is coiled up. It produces the disease known to the Greeks as dracontiasis, and one of those now called filariasis. To extract the worm it must be slowly wound upon a roll of paper, a little at a time, care being taken not to break the worm, as if a portion is left in the abscess, the young will develop and be scattered under the skin. Although formerly confirmed to the Old World, the guinea-worm has recently been found in the tropics of America, but is very rarely seen in northern parts.