Then Porcupine arose again and said:
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““ Now listen once more! I will ask just one ques-tion: ‘ How will you obtain roots to eat if you ask forvery severe cold? ’ If it is so cold, the roots of all thewild berries will be withered and frozen, and all theplants of the prairie will wither away owing to the frostof winter. How will you be able to obtain food? Youare large animals and you always walk about themountains wanting something to eat. Now, if yourrequest for severe cold every winter is granted, youwill die of starvation in spring or summer. But weshall live, for we live on the bark of trees, our smallestpersons find their food in the gum of trees, and thesmallest insects find their food in the earth.” All the large animals were speechless with wonderat the wisdom of Porcupine. Finally Grizzly Beararose and said: “‘ What you say is true.” Thus spokeGrizzly Bear to Porcupine.
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