| His cool character gradually starts to crumble, however, as his precious writing quills are taken away. |
| For example, the porcupine is defenseless except for its quills, the deer vulnerable except for its speed. |
| When the quills begin to loosen, the bird removes them and is then ready to care for the new feathers. |
| Throughout our period various breeds of birds were used to supply different quills, including duck, goose, swan and pheasant. |
| As is the case with North American porcupines, the quills are loosely attached but can't be thrown or otherwise projected. |
| The quills are so lightly fixed to the porcupine's body that they are easily detached and left imbedded in the attacker. |
