more disrespect gets dished out to the guineapig

thanks  vintageprintable.com. PD

1911:  the inoffensive guinea pig continues to get no respect in this passage from a review of domestic animals. . .

The Guinea-pig, which is often kept as a home animal, has none of the fierce ways of the ferret. In spite of its name, it has nothing to do with the real pig, but is one of the gnawing animals, a timid and stupid creature, that first came from South America. Large numbers of them are found on the banks of the La Plata River, being there known as the Cavy. They burrow in the ground and feed on fruits and herbs.
What people like in the Guinea-pig is its pretty coloring. The wild form is of a grayish-brown color, but as kept on the farm its color is white, with patches of red and black. It is of no use to man except as a pet, for it is not fit for food and is too stupid for anything else. It has been said to drive off rats and mice, but this is a false notion.

-- from Morris, C. (1907-11). Home life in all lands.v. 3. Philadelphia & London: J. B. Lippincott company. 58.