44 LONG-EARED HEDGEILOG. 
The generic name, Ptilocercus, is compounded of two Greek words, signifying “ feather- 
tailed,” and is therefore very appropriately given to this singular creature. 
The HeEpGEHOG finds representatives in many parts of the world, which seem to be 
possessed of the same propensities whether they are found in England, in India, or in 
Africa. There are several species of this curious animal, which are remarkable for two 
or three peculiarities of form and habit. 
The external characteristic which immediately strikes the attention of the beholder is 
the formidable array of bristling spines with which the back is more or less covered, and 
which offers a chevaux-de-frise of sharp spikes towards any animal that may present itself 
as an enemy. Another peculiarity, is the power possessed by these creatures of rolling 
themselves into a round ball, by placing the head on the breast, drawing up the legs, and 
curling the body firmly round these members. By this posture, the Hedgehogs render 
themselves invulnerable to almost every animal that may attack them, and defend the 
legs, abdomen, and other portions of the body that are left unprotected by nature. When 
in this curious attitude, the Hedgehog cannot be unrolled by main force, as long as any 
life remains in the body, for there is an enormously developed muscle, with a very thick 
LONG-EARED HEDGEHOG.—Erindceus auritus. 
margin, Which spreads over the back and round the sides, and which, when contracted, 
holds the creature in so firm an embrace that it will be torn in pieces rather than yield 
its point. 
The technical name of this muscle is panntculus carndsus, and it is by means of this 
muscle that bears and other animals are able to shake their skins when they are irritated 
by any substance that clings to the hair, and which they cannot reach with their teeth. 
The Hedgehogs are plantigrade in their gait, and, like the generality of plantigrade 
animals, are not particularly active or rapid in their movements. Although they generally 
prefer a deliberate pace when they are not alarmed or hurried, they can get over the 
ground with no small speed when they feel themselves called upon to make such an 
exertion. 
The feet of the Hedgehog are furnished with five toes, those of the fore-feet terminated 
with tolerably strong claws, which, although not so evidently fossorial as those of the 
moles and other insectivorous animals, are yet very capable of digging, and are used 
effectually for that purpose. The soles of the feet are naked. The limbs and the entire 
under surface of the body are undefended by the stiff prickles which are so thickly set 
