THE HEDGEHOG. 



Uses to which the quills are applied. 



assailants, and will rather be killed than suffer 

 them to be taken from her. 



The flesh of the porcupine is said to be excel- 

 lent eating, and is frequently served up at the 

 first tables in the Cape of Good Hope ; and the 

 quills are used by the Indians, to adorn many 

 articles; the neatness and elegance of which 

 would not disgrace more enlightened artists. 

 They dye them of various beautiful colours, cut 

 them into slips, and embroider with them their 

 baskets, belts, 8cc- in a great variety of orna- 

 mental figures. 



These animals inhabit India, Persia, Palestine, 

 and the Indian islands. They are likewise com- 

 mon in all parts of Africa, and are sometimes 

 found in Italy and Sicily. 



THE HEDGEHOG. 



THIS animal at first sight seems to bear * 

 near resemblance to the porcupine ; but, on ex- 

 amination, it is found to differ materially, both 

 in the structure of its teeth, and the shortness of 

 its spines or quills. The length of the animal 

 varies from six to ten inches ; the head, back, 

 and sides are covered with spines; but the nose, 

 breast, and belly are clothed with fine soft hair. 

 The legs are short, and almost bare; the toes 

 on each foot are five in number, long, and sepa- 

 rated ; and the tail, which is about an inch long, 



