



HEDGEHOG. — J^rindceus Eitrojjeus. 



The common Hedgehog is well known throigliout this country, and is re- 

 markable for the array of spears which beset its body, and which project on all 

 sides when the animal rolls itself into a ball after its ciuious fashion. 



According to the generality of writers, among whom we may reckon Mr. White, 

 the innnortalizer of Sclborne, the food of the Hedgehog is not entirely animal, but 

 is vaiied with sundry vegetable substances, such as roots, haws, crabs, and other 

 wild fruit. The Hedgehog also eats birds, insects, and reptiles. 



On one occasion, Avhen a Hedgehog was employed in the demolition of a snake, 

 it proceeded in a remarkably cautious manner, as if it had been a practised com- 

 batant, and had learnt how to inflict injury on its foe Avithout suffering in return. 

 On being roused by the touch of the snake, the Hedgehog — which had been 

 coiled up — unrolled itself, bit the snake sharply, and immediately resumed its 

 coiled attitude. Three times it repeated this proceeding, and when after the 

 third bite the snake's back was bitten through, the Hedgehog stood by the side 

 of its victim, and deliberately crushed the snake's body throughout its entire 

 length by biting it at intervals of about half an inch. Having thus placed itself 

 beyond the reach of retaliation, it took the tip of the snake's tail in its mouth, 

 began to cat it, and finished the reptile in the course of twenty-four hom's. 



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