1865.] MR. P. L. SCLATER ON A NEW INDIAN PORCUPINE. 355 
malabarica for comparison upon this point ; but in other respects 
there seem to exist differences in the skulls of the two species which 
are amply sufficient to confirm their specific separation. 
Skull of Wystrix malabarica. 
1. In H. leucura the total length of the molar series is greater 
than the distance between the molars and the tympanic bone; in H. 
malabarica it is rather less. 
2. In H. malabarica the entopterygoid is more remote from the 
tympanic bone, and is of a different form. 
3. The facial surface of the lachrymal is very small in H. mala- 
barica—much smaller than in H. leucura. 
4. The rostral part of the cranium is more elongated and more 
compressed in H. malabarica, and the foramina incisiva are longer 
and narrower. 
These and other minor peculiarities will, I think, sufficiently serve 
to separate H. malabarica from its nearest ally, although it is of 
course desirable that further specimens should be obtained for com- 
parison. 
With regard to the habits of H. malabarica, Mr. Day has kindly 
furnished me with the following particulars :— 
“During my residence at Cochin I was informed by the natives 
that a species of orange-coloured Porcupine was found in the neigh- 
bouring hills, the flesh of which was more highly esteemed for food 
than that of the common variety. It was said to be a smaller species, 
and that the two never lived in the same locality. Small families of 
