252 



GNAWING ANIMALS 



THE PORCUPINE FAMILY 



Erethizontidae 



The Porcupine is at home either in tree-tops or on the 

 ground, but it is always a slow-moving and dull-witted ani- 

 mal. It is easily captured or killed by man, but not so read- 



BEAZILIAN PREHENSILE-TAILED PORCUPINB.l 



ily overcome by wild animals. In the woods, it loves to 

 prowl around camps, and gnaw every scrap of leather or greasy 

 board that it can find. It is fond of the bark of hemlock, 

 beech, and cottonwood, and often a Porcupine will remain 

 in a good tree until he entirely strips it of its bark. 



The Canada Pokcupine,^ which is black, with a gray- 

 tipped storm-coat, is found in New England, New York, 



1 Sphin-gu'rus pre-hen-si'lis. * Er-e-thi'zon dor-sa'tus. 



