304 



THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



to dig out and throw the earth behind it, and it burrows in 

 this way with the greatest rapidity. As it is nearly always 

 beneath the surface of the earth, and consequently in the 

 dark, so a sense of vision is not required, it is therefore 

 blind, but the senses of touch and smell, being very acute 

 enable it to find its food. The Hedgehog and Shrew-mouse 

 are furnished with pointed noses, with which they dig up 

 the earth in search of insects, and when found they devour 

 them with amazing rapidity. The Hedgehog has the power of 



FIG. 70. INSECTIVORA. 



1, Hedgehog (Erinaceus Europaeus) ; 2, Mole (Talpa Europaea ; 3, Shrew-mouse 

 (Sorex araneus). 



rolling itself up into a ball and defying the attacks of almost 

 anything, for its bristles are so stiif and sharp that they 

 prick like thorns, and make a capital defensive armour ; the 

 Hedgehog is eaten by many, especially by the Gipsies, who 

 esteem it a dainty. 



10. The CHEIEOPTEEA (Bat tribe, fig. 71), have fore feet so 

 modified as to serve as wings, with which they fly with toler- 

 able swiftness, producing a peculiar flapping sound. These 

 wings are formed by a membrane which is stretched out 

 between the fingers, which are exceedingly elongated, and 



