90 HEDGEHOG. 



but abstain from eating it. Indeed, it has such a fetid 

 and offensive scent, and its form is so disagreeable, that 

 it is generally shunned ; and, from some of its known 

 disgusting qualities, it has obtained an ill fame for others, 

 which it does not really possess. 



A small species of the shrew is found in Siberia, which 

 weighs only about a dram, and is considered by Linnaeus 

 as the least of quadrupeds ; however, Pallas mentions 

 another species, which does not weigh half so much. 



, THE HEDGEHOG. 



Few animals are more innocent than the hedgehog, 

 yet few are exposed to such various injuries and insults. 

 Children frequently learn the rudiments of cruelty in tor- 

 turing it ; and it seldom finds a protector among those who 

 are more advanced in years. Humanity, however, is due 

 to the meanest reptile ; and whoever is capable of exer- 

 cising unnecessary barbarity, even towards noxious 

 creatures, must possess defective feelings at least, and 

 probably a vicious heart. 



Though the hedgehog has a formidable appearance, 

 from the sharp spines with which its upper parts are co- 

 vered, it is one of the most harmless creatures in the uni- 

 verse. Incapable or unwilling to injure, all its precautions 

 are directed only to its own security ; and its armour is 

 adapted, not to invade, but to repel an enemy. While 

 other animals trust to their force, their cunning, or their 

 swiftness, the hedgehog, destitute of all these, has but 

 one expedient for its protection : as soon as it perceives 

 itself attacked, it draws back and concentrates all its vul- 

 nerable parts, rolls itself into a kind of ball, and presents 

 nothing but its prickles to the foe ; and thus, while it 

 refrains from attempting to injure any other quadruped, it 

 renders itself proof against the annoyance of most 

 creatures, except man. The enraged dog may bark, and 

 roll it along with its paws ; it still patiently submits to 

 every provocation, in order to remain secure. 



Like most other wild animals, the hedgehog spends the 



