PORCUPINE. 
veted with long and strong spines, or quills, 
from ten to fourteen inches in length. Each 
quill is inserted into the animal's skin, in the 
same manner as feathers grow on birds. They 
are spongey within, like the top of a Goose- 
quill : and are of different colours ; chiefly, 
white and black, in alternate rings, from one 
end to the other. The largest are sometimes 
found fifteen inches long : and of a quarter of 
an inch' diameter, in the middle or largest part; 
from whence they taper, and become sharp at 
each end. Externally, they are peculiarly 
sharp, and capable of inflicting a mortal wound, 
They are much harder than common quils, 
i and quite solid at that end which is not fixed in 
the skin. Among these principal quills, grow 
other long ones of a more flexible and slender 
structure; and, near the tail, there is still ant)*' 
ther sort, which are white, and transparent, - 
like Goose-quills, and seem cut short at the end. 
1 All these quills, of whatever kind, incline 
backwards, like the bristles of a Hog;' but, 
when the animal is irritated, they rise and 
stand upright. Between the spines are. a few 
i cinereous or ash-coloured hairs ; and the head, 
belly, legs, aad every other part of the body,. 
: are 
