ANIMALS OP NORTH AMERICA. 77 



head and limbs, so as completely to conceal them^and give 

 it the appearance of a simple ball of fur. There are two 

 other species of it known, the P. Sabinus^ like the fore- 

 going in every respect but size, in which it excels, and P. 

 Oregonensis, with ears longer and more open. 



THE COMMON PORCUPINE (Hystrix or JErethizon dorsata) 

 though formerly very common, is now confined to the wooded 

 and mountainous districts. 



Description. Hair rather long, thick, and interspersed 

 with spines or quills, varying from one to four inches in 

 length ; these quills are black at the tip, brown below, white 

 at the base. Tail not prehensile, thick. 



It is remarkable on account of its quills or spines, in- 

 termingled in the hair, on nearly all parts of its body ; and 

 as it runs very badly, and is moderate and awkward in all 

 its movements, it relies mostly on its quills for defence and 

 safety. When its enemy approaches, if allowed sufficient 

 time, it will generally retreat to some fissure in the rocks, 

 or take refuge in the top of a tree, which it ascends with 

 facility ; but if overtaken it places its head between its fore 

 legs, draws its body into a globular form, and erects its 

 spines projecting in all directions. The old theory of the 

 porcupine darting his quills has exploded long ago. These 

 quills are eagerly sought after and highly prized by the 

 aborigines on all parts of the continent, and are used by 

 them in various ways as ornaments of their dresses, pipes, 

 and war instruments. For this purpose they are dyed of 

 several rich and permanent colours, cut into short pieces, 

 strung upon threads or sinews, and then wrought into various 

 forms and figures upon their belts, buffalo robes, mocassins, 

 &c., and in these adornments they show considerable inge- 

 nuity and a great deal of patient perseverance. 



The porcupine is a sluggish, solitary animal, seldom ven- 

 turing far from his retreat in the rocks. His food consists 

 of fruits of different kinds, roots, herbs, and the bark and 



