ORDER RODENTIA. 



The second division of Rodcntia comprehends the 

 genera which have only the rudiments of clavicles, 

 The most easy to distinguish is that of 



The Porcupines, (Hystricc, Lin.) 



Which are known at the first glance by the rough 

 and sharp spines with which they are armed, like 

 the Hedgehogs among the Carnassiers. The Por- 

 cupines have four cheek-teeth in each jaw, on both 

 sides, which are cylindrical, and marked on the 

 crowns with four or five deep impressions. Their 

 tongue is covered with spiny scales; they have four 

 toes before, and five behind, armed with thick nails. 

 They live in burrows, and have many of the habits 

 of Rabbits. Their grunting voice, together with 

 their thick and truncated muzzle, have caused them 

 to be compared to Pigs. 



The Common or Maned Porcupine, (Hist. Cristata, L.) 

 Buff. XII. , LI., LII. 



Is larger than a Hare 5 the spines are very long 

 and very strong on the back ; there is a mane 

 of long hair on the head and neck ; the tail is 

 short, terminated by two open tubes carried 

 on pedestals,, and which make a noise when the 

 animal shakes them. Of Italy, Greece, Barbary, 

 and even the East Indies. 



