THE COMMON PORCUPINE. 



115 



The Common Porcupine (^Hystrix cristata), 



Pore-epic of the French : Istrice of the Italians ; Sta- 

 chelschwein, Dornschwein, and Porcopick of the Ger- 

 mans. This spine-covered animal is found in Italy, 

 throughout Africa, in Southern Tartary, the borders of 

 the Caspian Sea, Persia, and India : it was observed by 

 Mr. Hodgson inhabiting the central and lower regions 

 of Nepal. When full-grown it is upwards of two feet 

 in length ; but the specimens from Italy are generally 

 smaller than the African, and have shorter quills. (Fig. 

 73.) It would appear that in Italy it is not indigenous, 

 but has become naturalized. 



73. — Common Porcupine, 



The porcupine is a nocturnal animal, of quiet and se- 

 cluded habits, passing the day in its subterranean retreat, 

 for the digging of which its muscular limbs and stout 

 claws are well adapted. At night it steals forth to feed ; 

 roots, bark, fruits, and vegetables constitute its die 



