252 MAMMALIA—PORCUPINE. 
When the form, substance, and organization of the privales of the porcu- 
pine are considered, they are found to be true quills, to which only feathers 
are wanting 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 featiiers of its tail. The Indians 
use them to adorn many articles of dress and furniture, and dye them of 
various colors. 
EE. COUAN DO, ORYVERAZILCLIAN PORCUPINE? 
_— 
Tuts 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 
tae 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 
anima,s 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 
.n 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. 
1 Aystrix cuandu, Desm. 
