ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
77 
head and limbs, so as completely to conceal them, and give 
it the appearance of a simple ball of fur. There are two 
other species of it known, the P. Sabinus , like the fore- 
going in every respect but size, in which it excels, and P. 
Oregonensis , with ears longer and more open. 
The Common Porcupine (Hystrix or JErethizon dorsata) 
though formerly very common, is now confined to the wooded 
and mountainous districts. 
Description . — Hair rather long, thick, and interspersed 
with spines or quills, varying from one to four inches in 
length ; these quills are black at the tip, brown below, white 
at the base. Tail not prehensile, thick. 
It is remarkable on account of its quills or spines, in- 
termingled in the hair, on nearly all parts of its body ; and 
as it runs very badly, and is moderate and awkward in all 
its movements, it relies mostly on its quills for defence and 
safety. When its enemy approaches, if allowed sufficient 
time, it will generally retreat to some fissure in the rocks, 
or take refuge in the top of a tree, which it ascends with 
facility ; but if overtaken it places its head between its fore 
legs, draws its body into a globular form, and erects its 
spines projecting in all directions. The old theory of the 
porcupine darting his quills has exploded long ago. These 
quills are eagerly sought after and highly prized by the 
aborigines on all parts of the continent, and are used by 
them in various ways as ornaments of their dresses, pipes, 
and war instruments. For this purpose they are dyed of 
several rich and permanent colours, cut into short pieces, 
strung upon threads or sinews, and then wrought into various 
forms and figures upon their belts, buffalo robes, mocassins, 
&c., and in these adornments they show considerable inge- 
nuity and a great deal of patient perseverance. 
The porcupine is a sluggish, solitary animal, seldom ven- 
turing far from his retreat in the rocks. His food consists 
of fruits of different kinds, roots, herbs, and the bark and 
