NATUKAL HISTORY. 



Fig. 58. Porcupine. 



in Africa, India, Persia, Tartary, and in some parts of Eu- 

 rope. It is nearly the largest of the Rodents. The spikes 

 or quills with which it is covered constitute, like those of 

 the Hedgehog, its means of defense. If it can not escape, 

 it stands still, with its quills all bristling, or even runs 

 back against its adversary. The fact that any quills that 

 are a little loose fall off, or remain sticking to an adver- 

 sary, has given rise to the mistake that the animal has the 

 power of shooting them from its body. 



122. Of the Guinea-pig family, the Capybara, Fig. 59, 



is the largest of all 

 the Rodents. It is 

 a native of South 

 America, where its 

 flesh is much prized. 

 It is a favorite prey 

 of the Jaguar. Its 

 shape, and its thin 

 and straight hair, 

 make it look quite like a pig. 



123. The Hares differ from the other Rodents in hav- 

 ing more than four front sharp teeth. There are about 

 thirty species. The Hare, which in England furnishes 



Fig. 59. Capybara. 



