HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS.

An animal similar to this is found in Canada, and
various parts of North-America, as high as Hudson's
Bay. It is called the URSON, or CANADA PORCUPINE.
—Many of the trading Indians, during their long ex-
cursions, depend on this creature for a supply of food,
which they esteem both wholesome and pleasant: They
also make use of the quills to trim the edges of their
deer-skin habits, so as to look like fringe; and stick them
in their noes and ears to make holes for their ear-rings.

THE HEDGE-HOG, OR URCHIN,

DESTITUTE of every other means of defence,
is provided by Nature with a spinous armour,
which secures it from the attacks of all the smaller beasts
of prey; such as Weasels, Martins, Polecats, &c.—
When alarmed, it immediately collects itself into the
form of a ball, and prefers on all sides a surface covered
with sharp points, which few animals are hardy enough
to engage. The more it is harraffed, the closer it rolls

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itself;