254 GNAWING ANIMALS 



small, weak insect-eater, which does not inhabit America. 

 A full-grown Porcupine is about twenty times as large as the 

 common European hedgehog. 



Porcupines can not shoot their quills, not even for 1 

 inch; and the idea that they can — or ever have — is entirely 

 erroneous. When attacked, their defence consists in erect- 

 ing their quills, and striking quickly a strong sidewise blow 

 with the tail, which often drives many quills into its enemy. 

 Strange to say, wild animals are about as lacking in original 

 information, or "instinct," regarding this creature as dogs 

 are. Several pumas and lynxes have been killed in a starv- 

 ing condition, with their mouths and throats so filled with 

 porcupine quills that eating had become almost impossible. 



THE VISCACHAS AND THE CHINCHILLAS 



Family Chinchillidae 



In this odd South American Family we find two forms 

 that by systematists are usually placed next to the porcu- 

 pines, but in their natural covering they are very far re- 

 moved from those always inhospitable creatures. 



The Common Chinchilla {Chinchilla lanigera) has fur 

 as fine as silk and soft as down. The touch of it reminds 

 me of the flying squirrel. It is much sought by the fur- 

 riers, and by ladies of discernment, but in wearing qualities 

 it is so delicate that the winds should not be permitted to 

 visit it too rudely. 



In captivity, the Chinchilla never seems to be quite 

 rightly placed. Give it a large enclosure, and it seems de- 

 fenceless and ill at ease. In a small enclosure, on exhibition. 



