162 THE PORCUPINE. 



row. But when the shades of evening are beginning 

 to fall, it emerges from its retreat, and goes in search 

 of its food, which consists principally of fruits, roots, 

 or other vegetable matter. During winter, if the 

 weather be severe, it retires to its den, where it remains 

 until the genial warmth of the sun again attracts it forth. 



" Some persons have spoken favourably of the flesh 

 of the porcupine as an article of food; but possibly 

 their opinion may have been influenced by previous 

 starvation." 



Here Jake interrupted Pierre with the remark, 



" Wai, I hev often closed my teeth on wuss chawin's 

 than porkipines, an' I warn't starved neither. I'd as 

 lief eat it any day as hoss meat, an' I've heern tell that 

 the French eat a sight o' that." 



" There is no accounting for taste," said Pierre ; " I 

 must confess that I do not relish porcupine much myself, 

 although I have often eaten it when I had nothing else." 



" I incline to Jake's opinion," said Gaultier. " I think 

 a stew of the ' fretful ' is by no means bad eating, espe- 

 cially if a few pork bones have been thrown in to 

 heighten the flavour." 



" I am glad you like it, cousin," answered Pierre, " as 

 you have now an opportunity of indulging your taste. 

 The one you shot seems very fat and heavy." 



" Jake and I will lighten him at breakfast, never 

 fear," laughed Gaultier; "but pray go on with your 

 account of the animals." 



Pierre therefore continued : " As in the case of our 



