Hystricidsæ

pl. [Gr. hystrix, a porcupine.] ( Zool.) A family of Rodent quadrupeds, of which the porcupine, Hystrix cristata, is the type. It comprises a large number of Rodents, which at first view seem very different from another, but which are united by important char 44 acters. The molars are ☑, and the terminal portion of the muzzle is clothed with small hairs. They are mainly Americans, and chiefly confined to S. America. The principal species or genera will be seen under their respective names.