THE TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE. 



573 



PORCUPINE. HysMx Cristate. 



distance from its haven of refuge, and can present such an array of threatening spikes 

 that it is quite safe from any enemy excepting man. When, however, the animal is at 

 peace it is capable of depressing the bristling spears, and can squeeze itself through an 

 opening which would appear at first sight to be hardly large enough to permit the 

 passage of an animal of only half its size. 



The total length of the common Porcupine is about three feet jsix inches, the tail 

 being about six inches long. Its gait is plantigrade, slow, and clumsy, and as it walks, 

 its long quills shake and rattle in a very curious manner. Its muzzle is thick and 

 heavy, and its eyes small and pig-like. 



TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE.- Atherura Africans. 



The TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE in even a more singular animal than that which has 

 just been described. 



