164 



RODENTS. 



should be able to climb out far enough on the branches of trees to reach the 

 terminal leaves; but he distributes his weight by bringing several branches 

 together, and then, with his powerful paws, bends back their ends and passes them 

 through his mouth. When high in the tree-tops he is often passed unnoticed, 

 mistaken, if seen at all, for the nest of a crow or a hawk." 



The food of this animal consists not only of the leaves of various trees 

 especially the hemlock-spruce but likewise of their twigs and bark ; while beech- 

 mast is also a favourite article of its diet. The pods of water-lilies are also eaten ; 

 while a partiality for salt is very marked. The nest is constructed in the same 

 situations as the sleeping lair. The young in the Adirondack region are born 

 early in May, and are usually one or two in number. At birth, according to Dr. 



THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE ( nat. size). 



Merriam, they are very large for the size of the animal, being actually larger, and 

 proportionately more than thirty times the size of the cubs of the black bear. 

 This porcupine uses its tail as a weapon of offence, inflicting severe blows by its 

 lateral action. Few animals care to attack the porcupine, although, as previously 

 mentioned, both the puma and fisher-marten make these animals their prey, and 

 are frequently found with their flesh bristling with quills. 



The tree -porcupines are distinguished from the Canadian porcu- 

 pine by their long prehensile tails, and the presence of only four 

 toes on the hind-feet. They are also of lighter build ; and their spines are short, 

 closely set, and parti-coloured, sometimes almost concealed by long hairs. In the 

 absence of the first toe, the inner side of each hind-foot is furnished with a large 

 fleshy lobe which can be bent inwards to a certain degree, and forms an efficient 

 aid in climbing ; more especially as the whole foot is set so obliquely 011 the leg 

 that the rough sole is directed somewhat outwardly. The tail is thick at the 



Tree-Porcupines. 



