SHREWS AND MOLES. 41 



habitant of the plains of southern India. Hedgehogs, 

 like moles and shrews, are nocturnal animals, and during 

 the day remain concealed in the crevices of trees and 

 rocks. They have the peculiar habit of completely rolling 

 themselves up into a ball when touched or disturbed. 

 Hedgehogs, like porcupines, have the power of suddenly 

 jerking backwards, no doubt for the purpose of 

 hurting their assailants. In captivity they have been 

 known to feed upon grasshoppers, cockroaches, boiled 

 eggs, and even bread and milk. It is also believed that 

 they eat ants and millepedes. 



