This is an animal of whom the most ridiculous stories have been told,
particularly as to its power of darting its quills to a considerable
distance when attacked, and in this manner wounding its enemies.
Instead, however of being an enemy to be feared, there is not,
perhaps, a more timid creature in existence. But still, as a means of
defence, these quills are of great service to their possessor, and
preserve it from the attack of most of its enemies; its teeth are very
strong and sharp; and if it had courage enough to use them, it would
become rather a dangerous foe. When full grown, it measures nearly
two feet in length. Its general color is a grizzled, dusky black. The
upper part of the head and neck is furnished with long light hairs.
Most parts of the back and sides are armed with long, sharp pointed
quills, which are raised in a threatening manner whenever the animal
is excited. The porcupine sleeps during the day, and at night searches
for food. Below is a picture of an odd kind of porcupine. It is called
a Brazilian porcupine.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: QUAGGA.]