PRAIRIE-DOGS 163 



among loggers and miners amid the western 

 mountains. The porcupines at once make 

 themselves at home, and if they can get inside 

 will demolish nearly every wooden thing in their 

 search for food, and their enjoyment of nib- 

 bling anything salty. As salt pork and bacon 

 enter largely into the provisions of these 

 people, their tables, cupboards and utensils are 

 likely to be more or less spotted if not satu- 

 rated with salty grease; and the porcupine 

 knows no reason why he should not get to the 

 last taste. 



