PORCUPINES. 165 
base, but slender at the end, where its upper surface is devoid of hair. It is this 
upper surface which is applied to the branch, and the tail is, therefore, coiled in the 
reverse direction to that of the spider-monkeys, as shown in our illustration. 
The muzzle is thick, and obliquely truncated, so that the upper lip somewhat 
overhangs the lower portion, with large nostrils; the whole being clothed with 
fine velvety hair. Both the ears and eyes are small. The quills have numerous 
exceedingly minute spines at their extremities, with their points directed back- 
wards, so as to act as barbs. 
Brazilian Tree- The Brazilian tree- porcupine (S. prehensilis), which is the 
Porcupine. species commonly seen in menageries, is found in Brazil, Guiana, and 
part of Bolivia, and has the spines projecting freely above the fur. In length the 
head and body measure from 16 to 18 inches; the tail being about an inch shorter. 

BRAZILIAN TREE-PORCUPINE (4 nat, size), 
These animals, like the other species of the genus, are usually solitary, passing the 
greater part of the day in slumber, and feeding in the morning and evening. 
Their food consists of the leaves, young shoots, and bark of the trees on which 
they dwell. In climbing it is said that they ascend the trunks of trees by the feet 
alone, the tail being employed only when among the smaller branches, which these 
animals but seldom leave. When sleeping, they generally rest in the fork of a 
branch. Comparatively little is known of their habits in a wild state; but in 
captivity they are harmless, stupid creatures. Their flesh is eaten by the natives 
of Brazil, by whom they are known by the name of cuandu. 
Mexican Tree- The Mexican tree-porcupine (Synetheres novehispanice), belongs 
Porcupine. to a group which has the hair so long as almost to conceal the spines. 
It is distinguished by the nearly uniform black colour of the fur, and also by the 
presence of numerous spiny bristles mingled with the hair of the lower parts of the 
body. These bristles arise in small clusters from tubercles, and being white for 
