This page needs to be proofread.
PORCUPINES.
224
not be approached without danger. The animal
is said when assaulted to turn his back towards
An image should appear at this position in the text. To use the entire page scan as a placeholder, edit this page and replace "{{missing image}}" with "{{raw image|Natural History (1848).djvu/233}}". Otherwise, if you are able to provide the image then please do so. For guidance, see Wikisource:Image guidelines and Help:Adding images. |  |
AFRICAN PORCUPINE.
his enemy, and push against him; and wounds thus inflicted are very severe. The common no- tion, that it has the power of shooting its spines at an adversary, as a means of defence, though of considerable antiquity, is entirely without foun- dation.
The strong claws of this animal are of service in the excavation of its burrow, in which it sleeps during the day, coming forth in the evening to feed on roots, fruits, and tender shoots of shrubs. In captivity it is dull, manifesting scarcely a shadow of intelligence.
