218 



HTSTBICIN^. 



The remaining rodents have the clavicle imperfect in many, almost 

 wanting in some. They form two groups, Hystricidw and Leporidte. 



Fam. Hystricidw. 



Clavicles typically imperfect ; the lower angle of the lower jaw acute ; 

 usually 4 equal molars on each side with roots. 



This family comprises a large number of rodents of varied form and 

 habits, by far the greater number being from America, and only one sub- 

 family occurring in the old world. 



Sub-fam. HysTKiciNiB Porcupines. 



4 4 



Incisors large, usually colored, not grooved anteriorly; molars - — - 



in adults, complex, with imdulated stii» of enamel in the crown ; body 

 more or less clad with acuminate spines ; fore-feet tetradactylous with a 

 very small wart-like thumb ; hind-feet with 4 or 5 toes. 



Porcupines possess clavicles, which, however, are only attached to the 

 sternum and not to the scapula. The skull is remarkable for the great 

 size of the infra-orbital foramen. They have usually 1i pairs of ribs. 

 The length of the tail is very various. 



Porcupines are burrowing animals of strictly nocturnal habits, feeding 

 on roots, fruit, bark, and young shoots. The most typical forms of the 

 sub-family belong to the old world. 



Gen. Hystrix, Linnaeus. 



Char. — Hind-feet with five unguiculate toes ; all the claws stout ; body 

 armed with rigid spines, mixed with some longer flexible ones ; tail very 

 short, with a bundle of open tubes at the end ; muzzle truncated. 



Porcupines are a well known group, which take their popular name, 

 signifying spiny-pig, from their large size and grunting voice. They are 

 found in the warmer regions of the old continent. The peculiar open tubes 

 of the tail are supported on slender stalks, and they make a rattling noise 

 when shaken. 



204. Hystrix leucura. 



Sykes. — ^Blyth, Cat. p. 128. — Elliot, Cat, 45. — //. hirsutirosiris, 

 Brandt. — //. cristata iiidica, Gray, Hardwiokb, 111. Ind. Zool. 1. pi. 



