Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/263

Rh rarely leaves his woodland home for the fields unless there be some choice tid-bit in the way of tender lily pads in a nearby pond or a tasty morsel that will lure him from his leafy retreat.

He is unknown on our western prairies. His home is usually a hollow hemlock or spruce.

In this cosy little home the babies first see the light of day in the early spring. They range from one to three in number, and are very large, husky youngsters, covered all over with soft, furry, dark brown hair. Their eyes are open from the first minute of their earthly existence.

Our baby porcupine is actually larger than a new-born bear cub who is a diminutive little fellow. Mrs. Porcupine is very proud of her big baby. She is very careful of him and takes great care lest some of the ferocious forest neighbours see him.

After his quills are well grown she gives him more freedom for she knows he is well able to take care of himself. The baby grows rapidly. After a short time long hairs tipped with yellow push up through the thick fur and later the quills begin to make themselves known. His