230 CANADA PORCUPINE. 



frequently seeking its food by night, it is not strictly 

 speaking nocturnal. Partial to all varieties of wild 

 fruit, it more especially evinces a liking for straw 

 and blueberries. When attacked by dogs it en- 

 deavours to get its head into a hole, and while thus 

 protected in front keeps its assailants at defiance by 

 violently striking its tail, armed with innumerable 

 quills, to the right and left. The prey of many wild 

 animals, its assailants do not always come off scath- 

 less, for even the puma has been known to die from 

 wounds caused by some detached spines of this animal 

 sticking in its mouth. In size it much resembles the 

 common porcupine (Hystrix cristatus), but is longer 

 and stands less high upon the legs. As food for man 

 it is excellent. When made into a stew, with an 

 abundance of vegetables, the peculiar rich flavour of 

 its flesh justly entitles it to be considered even a 

 delicacy. The quills, which are easily stained any 

 colour, are used by the Indians for their decorative 

 work. The skill with which they are blended, and 

 the beauty of pattern made with them by the Ab- 

 origines, have long been subjects of admiration. 



As they produce a very strong trail and are slow 

 of foot, they are soon driven into a tree or easily 

 overtaken by dogs. A very small blow on the head 

 instantly deprives them of life. 



Although this porcupine weighed over twenty 

 pounds, it is almost with shame I acknowledge that 

 nearly half of it was consumed at that meal. Next 

 morning when we awoke the remainder had been 



