CAVE LODGERS. 207 



It is sometimes seen sluggishly reposing in tree tops, where 

 it gnaws the bark of the young branches ; and is often 

 (especially in the season of ripe berries) found in the open 

 barren, though never far away from its retreat. A porcu- 

 pine's den is easily discovered, both by the broad trail or 

 path which leads to it, and by the quantity of ordure by 

 which the entrance is marked. From the den the paths 

 diverge to some favourite feeding ground — perhaps a 

 grove of beech, on the mast of which the animal revels in 

 the fall ; or, if it be winter time, to the shelter of a tall 

 hemlock spruce. The marks of the claws on the bark are 

 a ready indication of its whereabouts ; and as the Indian 

 hunter passes in search of larger game, he knows he is 

 sure of roast porcupine if venison is not procurable, and 

 probably tumbles him down on return to camp by a 

 bullet through the head. 



The spines of the Canadian porcupine are about three 

 inches long, proceeding from a thick coat of dark brownish 

 hair, mixed with sooty-coloured bristles. They are largest 

 and most abundant over the loins, where the animal, when 

 brought to a stand, sets them up in a fan-like arc, and 

 presents a most formidable array of points always turned 

 tow^ards its opponent. It endeavours at the same time to 

 strike with its thick muscular tail, leaving, where the 

 blow falls, a great number of the easily-detached quills 

 firmly sticking in, rooted by their barbed points. 



A porcupine can gallop or shuffle along at a good pace, 

 and often, when surprised in the open, makes good its 

 retreat to its rocky den, or gains a tree, up which it 

 scrambles rapidly out of reach. 



The spines are of a dull white colour, with dusky tips. 



To the forest Indians of Acadie the porcupine is an 



