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.
QUAGGA.
This animal is somewhat like the horse, but most like the zebra, as you may see by comparing the two together. It is found in the southern parts of Africa, living mostly in the plains in large herds. It is not so large or so beautiful as the zebra. Its skin is of a dull brownish white, striped with darker color on the head and neck, and somewhat on the sides of its body; the upper parts of its legs are greyish, and the under parts white. It is a wild creature, and rather vicious in temper. It is made to draw by the natives of the country where it is found, and its flesh is eaten by them.
The quagga differs from the zebra in his stripes. You may see by the figure of the zebra, below, that he is striped all over his body and limbs, while the quagga has stripes only on the head and the fore part of the body.
