PORCUPINE. 
THE ancients, from the singular armour of 
this genus of animals, were induced to de- 
scribe the Porcupine as a skilful and potent 
warrior ; capable of showering it's darts on an 
enemy, and lancing each particular weapon 
with a most unerring aim : and, by the nume- 
rous herd of those weak compilers of natural 
history, who greedily adopt, without reflec- 
tion, or enquiry, every thing of the marvel- 
lous, has this falshood been propagated con- 
stantly as a fact, till even minds of considera- 
ble vigour have scarcely dared to oppose it 
with a positive and compleat denial. 
In the celebrated u Memoires pour Servir a 
PHistoire des Animaux," by the Members of 
the Royal 'Academy of Sciences at Paris— 
" Those quills," say the Anatomists of the 
Academy, " which were strongest and shortest, 
" easily parted from the skin, being less 
" firmly attached, to it than the others. These 
- " "are 
