THE CRESTED PORCUPINE. 



nofe into fome corner, making a fnorting noife, and eredted his fpines, with 

 which his purfuers pricked their nofes, till they quarrelled between 

 themfelves, and gave him an opportunity to make his efcape : we have 

 frequently been eye-witnefs to this diverting fcene. 



The Indians make ufe of the quills of the Porcupine to adorn the many 

 curious articles they make, the neatnefs and elegance of which would not 

 difcredit more enlightened artifts ; for this purpofe they dye them of various 

 beautiful colours, and fplit them into flips, with which they embroider their 

 bafkets, belts, &c. in a great variety of ornamental figures. 



The Porcupine lleeps during the day, and feeds only by night. It has a 

 voracious appetite, although it fupports hunger for a conliderable time 

 without any apparent inconvenience. The female goes with young feven 

 months, and produces only one at a time, which me fuckles about a month ; 

 during this period, like all other females, Ihe becomes refolute in the defence 

 of her offspring. 



This animal inhabits India, Perfia, Paleiline, and all parts of Africa ; it is 

 alfo now found wild in Italy, though not originally a native of any part of 

 Europe. It is reprefented in the Plate as landing on the ground. 



