152 



VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



Hystrix,* the Porcupine. 



Being a native of Europe, the common Porcupine 

 (H. Cristatd) has been long familiar, and is readily 

 distinguished by its peculiar covering, which consists 

 of a great number of hollow tubes, hard and brittle, 

 and tapering to a fine point. Those on the tail, 

 however, are open at the ends, as if cut off, and 



THE COUENDO (Hystrix Prelwnsilis). 



being slenderly attached to the skin, make a rattling 

 noise when the animal shakes himself. It is a vul- 

 gar opinion that the animal has the power of shoot- 

 ing these quills at his enemies, but this is altogether 



* "TO-T^I, liystrix, the Greek name of the animal, " bristly," " hog- 

 haired." 



