64 HEDGEHOG. 



ceeding the sixteenth part of an ounce. In general shape 

 and colour it much resembles the last species. 



22. URCHIN TRIBE. 



The Urchins feed on worms and insects, which they 

 root out of the ground in the same manner as the shrews. 

 The upper parts of their body are covered with spines, 

 and the under parts with bristles. 



Hedgehog. Notwithstanding his formidable weapons 

 and appearance, the Hedgehog is one of the most harm- 

 less and innocent of all animals. He has been accused, 

 but unjustly, of sucking cows and sheep; and also of 

 carrying off fruit upon his prickles. When attacked or 

 alarmed, he instantly draws in his legs, puts his head 

 under his breast, rolls himself up into a ball, exhibiting 

 only an exterior armed with sharp and pointed weapons. 

 Whilst thus folded together, no power, short of tearing 

 the animal to pieces, would compel him to relax and 

 open. These animals conceal themselves, during the 

 day, in hedge-bottoms or thickets, and pass by far the 

 greatest part of their time in sleep. They issue from 

 their concealment only in the evening and night, for the 

 purpose of procuring food. This consists chiefly of worms, 

 snails, insects, and roots. At the commencement of win- 

 ter they form a nest of moss, leaves, and grass, into which 

 they retire ; and they continue during all that season with- 

 out eating, and in a torpid state. When tamed, they will 

 run about the house, and effectually destroy beetles, cock- 

 roaches, and crickets, with which it may be infested ; and, 

 instead of being injurious in gardens, they are useful, in 

 ridding them of insects and worms. Their smell is pow- 

 erful and unpleasantThey are found in almost every 



