24 DR. EMMONS' REPORT. April, 



more or less black, inclining sometimes to dark brown, and intermixed 

 with spines, with black tips and white shafts. Tail thick, and 7 or 

 8 inches in length, and prehensile and ancipitate, or two edged. 

 Herbivorous, living on fruits, grains, barks and roots of trees. 

 Dwells in hollow trees and in dens. The porcupine passes much of 

 its time in sleep, is sluggish in its habits, and clumsy in its form and 

 motions, yet moves with security among the tops of trees. The 

 length of the longest spines is about two inches and a half. These 

 are a formidable means of defence against the attack of wolves, dogs 

 and foxes. When assailed, it immediately throws its head between 

 its fore legs, and erects the spines on its back, and at the same time 

 elevates its posterior parts and tail. If the assailant is within reach, 

 it gives it a smart blow with its tail, leaving the part struck covered 

 with detached spines. Its tail is therefore its weapon most em- 

 ployed in its defence. 



Whole length of the animal 26 inches. Highest part of the 

 back about 14 inches. Flesh red and unpleasant, but relished by 

 the Indians. Voice, a plaintive mew, which it utters on being dis- 

 turbed with a stick or other instrument. 



It is quite common on the mountains surrounding Williamstown. 

 Sometimes an Albino of this species is met with. 



2. MUSTELA. 



^ ^i m . «. oo J6 18 6 2 8—10 



Gen. Char, i eeth 34 or 38, -jg-, or -^, -g- ,-^ , jqHj^ • 



Mustek Canadensis Lin. var. Pennanti. 



Pekan Weasel, or Fisher Weasel. Fisher. Color mostly 

 black ; nose, rump, tail and extremities black, covered with fur 

 and hair ; the former, some shade of brown, more or less pale, 

 or inclining to a yellowish ; the latter is terminated with black 

 and pale below. In the winter, it is long, and the animal is blacker 

 than in summer. The animal approaches a brownish gray about the 

 face and sides. White spots between its anterior and posterior legs, 

 and a small one on the throat. Whole length 37 inches ; tail 13 

 inches ; height at the anterior legs 8^ inches, at the posterior 9 J ; 

 from the nose to the base of the ear 3 inches. Dwells mostly in 



