24 DR. EMMONS’ REPORT. April, 
more or less black, inclining sometimes to dark brown, and intermixed 
with spines, with black tips and white shafts. Tail thick, and 7 or 
8 inches in length, and prehensile and ancipitate, or two edged. 
Herbivorous, living on fruits, grains, barks and roots of trees. 
Dwells in hollow trees and in dens, The porcupine passes much of 
its time in sleep, is sluggish in its habits, and clumsy in its form and 
motions, yet moves with security among the tops of trees. The 
length of the longest spines is about two inches and a half. These 
are a formidable means of defence against the attack of wolves, dogs 
and foxes. When assailed, it immediately throws its head between 
its fore legs, and erects the spies on its back, and at the same time 
elevates its posterior parts and tail. If the assailant is within reach, 
it gives it a smart blow with its tail, leaving the part struck covered 
with detached spines. Its tail is therefore its weapon most em- 
ployed in its defence. 
Whole length of the animal 26 inches. Highest part of the 
back about 14 inches. Flesh red and unpleasant, but relished by 
the Indians. Voice, a plaintive mew, which it utters on being dis- 
turbed witha stick or other instrument. 
‘It is quite common on the mountains surrounding Williamstown. 
Sometimes an Albino of this species is met with. 
2. MUSTELA. 
Gen. Char. ‘Teeth 34 or 38, ua or os “ ea : = ; 
Mustela Canadensis Lin. var. Pennanti. 
Pekan Weasel, or Fisher Weasel. Fisher. Color mostly 
black ; nose, rump, tail and extremities black, covered with fur 
and hair; the former, some shade of brown, more or less pale, 
or inclining to a yellowish; the latter is terminated with black 
and pale below. In the winter, it is long, and the animal is blacker 
than in summer. ‘The animal approaches a brownish gray about the 
face and sides. White spots between its anterior and posterior legs, 
and a small one on the throat. Whole length 37 inches ; tail 13 
inches ; height at the anterior legs 83 inches, at the posterior 945 
from the nose to the base of the ear 3 inches. Dwells mostly in 
