THE SOUTH AFRICAN HEDGEHOG 



a bush near by, it raised itself on its weak-looking 

 legs and trotted off. The terrier was on it again 

 in an instant, and made a desperate thrust with 

 his nose under and upwards with the intention of 

 getting a grip of its unprotected abdomen, but the 

 Hedgehog had already closed up with a snap, and 

 the dog's jaws came on the sharp spines. With a 

 howl of pain and fury he lay down and pawed 

 desperately at the bristly ball, but the spines dug 

 into the tender skin between the toes. I thought 

 now surely he will give in and leave the Hedgehog 

 in peace. No, he had no thought of retreating. 

 He lay glaring at the round ball, evidently trying 

 to evolve some way of getting even. Suddenly he 

 jumped to his feet and began digging with furious 

 energy, to the accompaniment of sharp barks and 

 growls. For a time his intention was not apparent 

 to me. He appeared at first to be tearing up the 

 grass and soil in impotent fury, but presently his 

 object was made clear, for, after excavating a hole 

 nearly a foot in depth, he deliberately rolled the 

 Hedgehog into the cavity, and using his nose for 

 a shovel, filled in the hole and rammed down the 

 soil with his paws. Then, surveying his work with 

 a look of satisfaction, he trotted off. Considering 

 it was my turn now, I strode forward and dug up 

 the entombed Hedgehog, which was none the worse 

 for its adventure. 



When suckling her brood, my captive mother 

 Hedgehog lay upon her side and extended her body 



27 



