BRASILIAN PORCUPINE. 
•with spines.. The longest of these spines, on 
the lower part of the back and tail, are three 
inches in length. They are very sharp ; and 
of a white colour, barred near their points 
with black: the skin, to which they closely 
adhere, is naked between them. As they ap- 
proach the belly, they are shorter and weaker ; 
and, on the breast, belly, and lower part of the 
legs, are converted into dark brown bristles. 
The feet are divided into four toes ; the claws, 
are very long ; and in tlie place of the thumb, 
there is a great protuberance. The tail, vvhich 
is eighteen inches long, is slender, and taper 
towards the end. For the last ten inclies, ii 
is almost naked, having only a few hairs ; and, 
i-n that length, there is a strong prehensile qua- 
iitj." 
Thus far, we may presume on tlie fadls 
stated by Pennant; who had an opportunity 
of describing it, though , this species is seldom 
brought into Europe, from a specimen some 
time in the possession of Mr. Greenwood : 
" who," adds Pennant, was so obliging as 
to permit me to have a drawing made of it, 
from which a, very faithful figure is here given. 
M. Dc 
