522 



RODENTIA. 



creatures make extended leaps. One species is found in the forests 

 of Poland and Eussia, and another in North America. 



The Porcupines (Hystrix) are known at the first glance 

 by the sharp spines with which they are armed. They 

 live in burrows, and have many of the habits of Babbits. 



The Common Porcupine (Hystrix eristata) is larger than a Hare ; 

 the spines upon its back are strong and very long ; there is a mane of 

 long hair on the head and neck ; the tail is short, and provided with 

 two open tubes that make a noise when the animal shakes them. 



FlG. 449. AFRICAN PORCUPINE. 



The Porcupine avoids inhabited places, arid selects for its retreat 

 stony arid hillocks with a southern aspect, in the declivities of which 

 it excavates deep holes with many outlets, where it lives in profound 

 solitude and great security. It passes the day concealed at the 

 bottom of its burrow, and provides for its wants during the night only. 

 Its chief food consists of berries, fruits, buds, roots, &c. For the 

 Porcupine, winter is a time of sleep, but its lethargy does not seem 

 to be very profound, seeing that it makes its appearance in the first 

 bright days of spring. This species is commonly met with in 

 Southern Italy. 



The Hares (Lepus) have a very distinctive character in 

 theirmpper incisors, which are double ; that is to say, each 

 of them has a smaller one behind it. They have five toes 

 before, and four behind. The interior of their mouth and 

 the under part of their feet are hairy like the rest of the 

 body. 



The Common Hare (Lepus timidus] is of a yellowish grey, the 

 ears one-sixth longer than the head, ash coloured behind, and black 

 at the point. Its" dark flesh is good for food, and its fur is useful. 



