THE BEAVER. 163 



own porcupine, the flesh of this species is stated to be 

 well-flavoured, and to resemble veal or pork. The 

 traveller Williamson says of the power of projecting its 

 quills attributed to the crested porcupine : ' With re- 

 pect to shooting the quills, it is fabulous. Dogs are 

 apt to run upon them; and the quills being sharp, 

 penetrate so deeply and hold so fast as to occasion them 

 to quit their matrices, or insertions in the porcupine's 

 skin. Many horses will not approach porcupines when 

 running, by reason of the peculiar rattling their quills 

 make against each other.' 



" The tuft-tailed porcupine is generally characterized 

 by having its body covered with depressed spines, 

 which on the hind part of the back are long, and 

 mingled with the ordinary quills ; and by having the 

 tail furnished with spines at its base, covered with 

 scales in the middle, and terminated by a bunch of long, 

 flattish bristles, which the animal possesses the faculty 

 of expanding or contracting at pleasure. 



" Little is known of the natural history of this species. 

 A specimen was brought from Fernando Po and pre- 

 sented to the Zoological Society by a Lieutenant Vidal 

 many years since. They are said to be very abundant 

 in the neighbourhood of that place, and to be largely 

 used as an article of diet by the inhabitants. 



" I will now read for you," said Pierre, " the few notes 

 I have made on the beaver ; and as these animals are 

 so immediately interesting to us, I have no doubt you 

 will patiently hear me to the end. 



(78C) 11 



