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I'U KC ; I ■ PI N E.— ////.s//v.f fVM'/^//^/. 



TiiK PoKCLiMNK lias loiiu; bi'cii rcndL'R'd famous aiiioii}^ nun bytlic cxtraordinar}' 

 annoiiry of pointed spears which it l)t'ai-s upon its l)ack. 



This animal inhabits many parts of the world, being found in Africa, Soutliern 

 Europe, and Luba. Tlic spines, or (piills, with wliicli it is furnished, vary 

 consideral)ly in len^tli, the longest cpiills being flexible, and not capable of doing 

 much harm to an opi)oncnt. Beneath these is a jdcntiful su|)j)ly of shorter 

 spines, from five to ten inches in length, which are the really ctlective wea})ons 

 of this imposing array. Their hold on the skin is very shght, so that when they 

 liave been struck into a foe, they remain fixed in the wound, and, unless 

 immediately removed, work sad woe to tlie sufferer. For the cjuill is so 

 constructed, that it gradually bores its way into the flesh, burrowing deeper 

 at every movement, and sometimes even causing the death of the wounded 

 creatmr. 



The Porcupine is a nocturnal animal, seldom venturing out of its retreat as long 

 as the sun is above the horizon, and is therefore not often seen even in the 

 localities which it most prefers. 



i:;i 



