6 COMMON PORCUPINE. 



are very observable to the touch ; for, on holding 

 a thorn in your hands, and endeavouring to pull 

 equally with both, you will find the thickest end 

 to glide with much more ease through your fin- 

 gers than the other. " 



The Porcupine feeds principally on roots, fruits, 

 barks, and other vegetable substances : it inhabits 

 holes or subterraneous retreats, which it is said to 

 form into several compartments or divisions, leav- 

 ing only a single hole or entrance. It sleeps 

 much by day, and makes its excursions for food 

 during the night. The female produces two young 

 at a birth, and these, if taken early, are said to 

 be easily tamed. 



The Porcupine admits of considerable variety 

 as to the length and proportion of the quills in 

 different specimens and from different countries : 

 the long crested bristles on the back of the head, 

 in particular, are much more conspicuous in some 

 than in others. 



