PORCUPINES. 



165 



base, but slender at the end, where its upper surface is devoid of hair. It is this 

 upper surface which is applied to the branch, and the tail is, therefore, coiled in the 

 reverse direction to that of the spider-monkeys, as shown in our illustration. 

 The muzzle is thick, and oblicpiely truncated, so that the upper lip somewhat 

 overhangs the lower portion, with large nostrils; the whole being clothed with 

 hue velvety hair. Both the ears and eyes are small. The quills have numerous 

 exceedingly minute spines at their extremities, with their points directed back- 

 wards, so as to act as barbs. 



Brazilian Tree- The Brazilian tree - porcupine (S. prehensilis), which is the 



Porcupine, species commonly seen in menageries, is found in Brazil, Guiana, and 



part of Bolivia, and has the spines projecting freely above the fur. In length the 



head and body measure from 16 to 18 inches; the tail being about an inch shorter. 



BRAZILIAN TREE-PORCUPINE (£ nat. size). 



'.V; 



These animals, like the other species of the genus, are usually solitary, passing the 

 greater part of the day in slumber, and feeding in the morning and evening. 

 Their food consists of the leaves, young shoots, and bark of the trees on which 

 they dwell. In climbing it is said that they ascend the trunks of trees by the feet 

 alone, the tail being employed onl}' when among the smaller branches, which these 

 animals but seldom leave. When sleeping, they generally rest in the fork of a 

 branch. Comparatively little is known of their habits in a wild state ; but in 

 captivity they are harmless, stupid creatures. Their flesh is eaten by the natives 

 of Brazil, by whom they are known by the name of cuandu. 

 Mexican Tree- The Mexican tree-porcupine (Si/netheres novcehispanice), belongs 



Porcupine. £ a group which has the hair so long as almost to conceal the spines. 

 It is distinguished by the nearly uniform black colour of the fur, and also by the 

 presence of numerous spiny bristles mingled with the hair of the lower parts of the 

 body. These bristles arise in small clusters from tubercles, and being white for 



