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MAMMALIA-PORCUPINE. 



When the form, substance, and organization of the prickles of the porcu- 

 pine are considered, they are found to be true quills, to which only feathers 

 are Avanting to make them exactly resemble those of birds. They strike 

 together with a noise as the animal walks ; and it easily erects them in the 

 same manner as the peacock spreads the feathers of its tail. The Indians 

 use them to adorn many articles of dress and furniture, and dye them of 

 various colors. 



THE COUANDO, OR BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE. i 



This animal is much smaller than the porcupine of the Old Continent; its 

 head and muzzle is shorter ; it has no tuft on its head, nor slit in the upper 

 lip ; its quills are somewhat shorter, and much finer ; its tail is long ; it is 

 carnivorous, rather than frugivorous, and endeavors to surprise birds, small 

 animals, and poultry, while the porcupine only feeds upon herbs, greens, 

 fruits, &c. It sleeps all the day, like the hedge-hog, and only stirs out in 

 the night. It climbs up trees, and hangs in the branches by its tail, which 

 the porcupine cannot do. All travellers agree that its flesh is very good 

 eating. It is easily tamed, and commonly lives in high places. These 

 animals are found over all America, from Brazil and Guiana, to Louisiana, 

 and the southern parts of Canada. While the porcupine is only to be found 

 in the hottest parts of the Old Continent. 



In transferring the name of porcupine to the couando, they have supposed 

 and transmitted to him the same faculties, especially that of lancing his 

 quills. Ray is the only person who has denied these circumstances, 

 although they evidently appear at first view to be absurd. 



Hystrix cuandu, Desm. 



