THE SOUTH AFRICAN HEDGEHOG 



man's fist. The tail is a little worm-like thing, less 

 than an inch in length. 



As is the case with most other animals, albinism 

 occurs among Hedgehogs. A friend captured an 

 albino on the Karoo and had it alive for some 

 time, and on two or three occasions I have seen 

 partial albinos. If thrown into water the Hedgehog 

 will not drown. It sinks deep into the water, the 

 ends of its spines only being exposed, and elevates 

 its nose. In this manner it can easily swim a 

 considerable distance, and does so when occasion 

 requires such efforts, as in cases of flood, and when 

 desirous of crossing a stream. 



The young are born in a nest composed of dead 

 leaves, moss, lichen or grass, which is placed in a 

 crevice, between the roots of a tree, under a dense 

 shrub, in a shallow hole, or in the centre of a thick 

 tuft of grass. The number of young born at a 

 time varies from two to four. They are blind at 

 birth and cannot roll themselves up, as do the 

 adults, and the spines on the back are soft, pliable 

 and white. The young are born during the summer 

 season. 



Sometimes when terrified or in pain the Hedgehog 

 unrolls its body and gives vent to loud, discordant, 

 pitiful cries. 



In January 191 3 a mother Hedgehog and four 

 little ones were sent to me from the midlands of 

 the Cape Province. The youngsters were about 

 two months old at the time, consequently they 



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