CHAP. 53. (35.)—THE PORCUPINE.
India and Africa produce the porcupine, the body of which
is covered with prickles. It is a species of hedgehog, but the
quills of the porcupine are longer, and when it stretches the
skin, it discharges them like so many missiles. With these it
pierces the mouths of the dogs which are pressing hard upon
it, and even sends its darts to some distance further [Note] It
conceals itself during the winter months, which, indeed, is the
nature of many animals, and more especially the bear.
