PORCUPINE* 
are covered with strong bristles of a dusky co- 
lour, intermixed with soft hairs : in short, there 
is no part free from them, except the soles of 
the feet, and the ears; the former of which are 
quite bare, and the latter- thinly covered with 
very fine hair. The flesh of the Porcupine is 
said to be sold in the markets of Italy. 
This animal, in it's natural state, dwells in 
large burrows, or holes, of it's own digging ; ' 
which have a single entrance, and are divided 
into many apartments. It goes about, during 
night, in search of food. When threatened by 
an enemy, it rolls itself into a round form, pre- 
senting it's quills, or spines, on every side, as a 
defence. The female brings from two to four 
young ones at a birth,, in the spring ; and these ! 
are said to be very easily tamed. 
. Dr. Goldsmith observes, that " there are 
many things related concerning this animal, 
that are fabulous ; but there are still many cir- 
cumstances more, that yet remain to be known, 
lr were curious," he says, " to enquire, whether 
this animal moults it's quills when wild, for it 
is never seen to shed them in a domestic state; 
whether 
