486 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE CANADA PORCUPINE. 

 (Plistrix Dorsata, Linn. L* Urso/i, Buff.) 



IT is found in Canada, and various parts of 

 North America, as high as Hudson's Bay. 



Its ears are short, and hid in the hair; its head, 

 body, and upper part of its tail, are covered with 

 long soft hair, in which are interspersed a number 

 of strong sharp spines ; its tail is shorter than that 

 of the preceding species, but it uses it in the same 

 manner in descending trees, frequently suspending 

 itself from the branches. 



Many of the trading Indians, during their long 

 excursions, depend on this creature for a supply of 

 food, and esteem it both wholesome and pleasant: 

 they also make use of the quills to trim the edges 

 of their deerskin habits, so as to look like fringe; 

 and stick them in their noses and ears to make 

 holes for their rings. 



