92 PORCUPINE. 



inches long, sharp-pointed, and thickest in the middle, 

 and these are varied with black and white ; between them 

 a few hairs are interspersed. The head, belly, and legs, 

 are covered with strong bristles, terminated with dusky- 

 coloured hair ; the whiskers are long ; the ears resemble 

 the human, as the nose does that of the hare. There are 

 four toes before, and five behind ; and the tail, which is 

 short, is covered with bristles. 



The quills of the porcupine, which appear to have been 

 given it rather for defence than annoyance, naturally re- 

 cline backwards ; but, when irritated, it erects them, and 

 thus opposes an almost unapproachable circle of lances 

 against every assailant. It has been said that it can hurl 

 or project them like darts against a foe ; but this is no more 

 probable, than that an enraged turkey-cock should have 

 the power to dart its feathers. 



This animal, according to some, lives on roots, fruit, 

 and vegetables ; while others affirm, that it hunts for ser- 

 pents and other reptiles as its subsistence. There is some 

 reason to believe this last statement; or perhaps both are 

 true in a certain degree. 



The porcupine has sometimes been domesticated in 

 Europe, and has been known to live to the age of twelve 

 or fifteen years. Only a single young one is produced at 

 a time. The Indians hunt it for the flesh and the quills ; 

 which latter they dye of various colours, and work them 

 up into baskets, belts, and other ornaments, with pecu- 

 liar elegance. 



The porcupine is a native of many parts of Asia, and of 

 Africa in general ; and it is even found wild in Italy, 

 though not indigenous in Europe. It is a dull and torpid 

 creature ; voracious, though capable of great abstinence ; 

 and has received the epithet of * fretful *, from its bristling 



" I could make 



Thy knotty and combined locks to part; 

 And each particular hair to stand on end, 

 Like quills upon the fretful porcupine." 



Tragedy of Hamlet, 



