CHAP. XIV. BAT, HEDGEHOG, AND MYGALE. 133 



The Bat. 



This animal is represented in the paintings of 

 Beni Hassan.* It does not appear to have been 

 sacred, nor do I know any instance of its being- 

 found embalmed. Egypt produces several species, 

 some of which are of great size. The ancient 

 Egyptians classed it among birds ; but this was 

 probably in reference to the element m which it 

 moved, in the same manner as they introduced the 

 crocodile and hippopotamus with the fish of the 

 Nile. 



The Hedgehog. 



Small figures of the hedgehog were sometimes 

 made of earthenware and other materials, to serve 

 as ornaments. Lamps of terra-cotta are also met 

 with in the tombs, having the form of this animal. 

 They do not, however, appear to have been con- 

 nected with a religious feeling ; but, like the small 

 porcelain figures of the ibex, hippopotamus, fly, 

 frog, and others, frequently found in Egypt, were 

 probably intended for ornamental purposes, and 

 frequently used as toys or trinkets. 



The Mygale, or Shrew-mouse. 



The Mygale t held a conspicuous place amongst 

 the sacred animals of Egypt, but I never observed 

 any representation of it in sculptures ^-elating to tlie 



* Vide Vol. III. p. 50. t Sorex myosurus, Pa//. 



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