THE PORCUPINE.

Tuis is one of the most curious of quad-
rupeds. When full grown, it measures
two feet in length. Its general color is
a grizzled, dusky black. The upper part
of its head and neck is furnished with
Jong light-colored hairs, capable of being
raised or depressed at pleasure. Most
parts of the back and sides are armed
with spires, which are longest on the
centre of the back. When the animal is
excited, these spires, which are its wea-
pons of defence, are raised. The Porcu-
pine generally sleeps through the day,
and only leaves its burrow in the evening,

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