Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 2, 1802).djvu/444

412] and 6d.; but its present nominal value is 21s.

If the pound weight (troy) of gold be divided into 89 parts, each of them will be equal to half a guinea, so that 12 ounces contain $44 1⁄2$ guineas.—As this favourite coin is gradually disappearing, we think it superfluous to state its accurate proportion of pure gold and alloy:—it has been confidently reported, that English guineas have lately been exchanged on the Continent, and especially in Hamburgh, at from 24 to 25 shillings. Such temptations, however, will induce only those persons to profit by the opportunity, who are now almost exclusively in the possession of gold, while they accommodate us with paper.  GUINEA-GRASS, a valuable species of herbage, thus denominated, as it was first discovered on the coast of Guinea, whence it was brought to Jamaica, and afterwards imported into this country.

In point of real utility, this plant ranks, in Jamaica, next the sugar-cane; for the breeding farms throughout the island were originally established, and are still supported, chiefly by means of the Guinea-grass, which bestows verdure and fertility on lands that would otherwise not deserve to be cultivated.—About ten years since, it was also introduced into the East Indies, where it is now successfully cultivated, and grows to the height of seven feet: it admits of being frequently cut, and makes excellent hay. Cattle eat if, both in a fresh and dry state, with great avidity: hence the culture of this valuable herbage has been strongly recommended to the farmers of Cornwall and Devonshire.  GUINEA-HEN, or Numida meleagris, L. an exotic species of gallinaceous fowl, which is a native of Africa. Its body is sloped in a manner similar to that of a partridge, and its dark grey colour is beautifully variegated with white spots.

Guinea-hens are not so tame and domestic as our native fowls, and frequently occasion considerable trouble to their keepers, by flying into hedges and bushes, especially during the night, where they lay, and hatch their eggs, of which they frequently deposit from 100 to 150. Nevertheless, they breed tolerably well in this climate; their flesh is generally white, tender, and sweet, though it is sometimes found perfectly black.  GUINEA-PIG, or, as it is more properly termed, the Restless Cavy, Cavia Cobaya, is not a native of Guinea, but of Brasil, whence it has been imported into Europe.—It is about seven inches in length, and its white body is variegated with irregular black and orange-coloured spots. The female breeds at two months old, and brings forth ten, twelve, or fourteen young ones, several times in the course of the year, after a gestation of three weeks.

Guinea-pigs feed on all kinds of herbs, but are particularly fond of parsley, as likewise of apples and other fruit. In their wild state, they multiply prodigiously, and would become innumerable, if they were capable of sustaining cold and moisture. Cats are their natural enemies; but their haunts being supposed to be exempt from the inroads of rats, guinea-pigs might be usefully reared in country places infested with those  tory