Page:Natural History (1848).djvu/233

Rh not be approached without danger. The animal is said when assaulted to turn his back towards

his enemy, and push against him&#59; 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.