404 



QUADRUPEDS. 



The Flying 1 Squirrels (Pteromys}* have on each side of the body a prolongation 

 of their skin, extending between the fore and hind legs, and forming a parachute, by 

 the aid of which these creatures make extended leaps. One species is found in the 

 forests of Poland and Russia, 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 rabbits. 



The Common Porcupine (Hystrix cristata} 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. The porcupine avoids inhabited places, and selects for its retreat 

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



FIG. 449. AFRICAN PORCITINE. 



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 por- 

 cupine winter is a time of sleep, but its lethargy does not seem to be very profound, 

 seeing th|t 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 their upper 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. It lives isolated, does not burrow, and sleeps on 

 the flat ground. When hunted it describes a large circle in running. 



The Rabbit (Lepus cuniculus) is smaller than the hare; the ears a little shorter than 



* irrepbv, pteron, a wing; [ivs, mus, a mouse or rat : it inged rat. 



