——_—— 
1865.] DR. J. E. GRAY ON A NEW PORCUPINE. 321 
it differs from the skull of that species in the beak of the skull beimg 
rather narrower, more tapering in front. The foramen maximum is 
narrow, much higher than wide, and the condyles larger; while in 
P. communis the foramen maximum is nearly circular, and the con- 
dyles smaller and more oblique. The symphysis of the lower jaw is 
longer, and the sloping lower edge is more oblique and considerably 
longer than in P. communis. 
A skeleton is being formed of the bones of this animal; and the 
skin has been preserved in spirits, which is certainly one of the best 
ways of preserving the specimens of Cetacea, as it allows the outer 
surface to be examined at any future time in a state most nearly 
resembling that of living specimens. 
2. NoTIcE OF AN APPARENTLY UNDESCRIBED SPECIES OF AME- 
RICAN Porcupine. By Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S., F.L.S., etc. 
(Plate XI.) 
There has been in the British Museum since 1853 a small specimen 
of a short-tailed American Porcupine, which was sent from Columbia. 
I suspected that the animal might be young ; and I have been wait- 
ing, expecting that we might receive another specimen from the 
same source, which would enable me to give a more complete account 
of the animal; but as no additional materials have come to hand, I 
shall now proceed to give a short notice of it, in the hope that the 
description and figure may have the effect of drawing the attention 
of collectors to the animal. 
Eretuizon (Ecutnoprocta) RuFESCENS. (PI. XI.) 
Pale brown, varied with black ; head white, speckled with black 
and pale brown; tail and feet black ; chin, throat, and beneath pale 
brown. A short white streak on the centre of the nose, and a few 
white spines, forming a slight crest, on the nape; a whitish mark on 
the side of the cheek. The bristly spines of the head thin, white, 
with a small black subterminal band and yellow tip; the spines of 
the back elongate, white, with a black subterminal ring and elon- 
gated rufous tips; those of the front part of the back and sides very 
slender, bristle-like, gradually becoming thickened, stronger, and 
shorter, until on the hinder part of the back, above the tail, they are 
well developed, short, thick. Spines with black ends and very small 
brown tips. The end of the nose, chin, and underside of the body 
covered with uniform pale brown slender bristles. The tail and feet 
covered with short black bristles. Whiskers black, slender, flexible. 
Hab. Columbia. 
There are a few spines on the top of the head, with one white to 
the tip, making a kind of occipital crest; but I am not sure that 
this may not be an individual peculiarity. 
The soles of the hind feet are bald to the heel. Cutting-teeth 
Proc. Zoou. Soc.—1865, No. XXI. 
