ANIMAL LIFE 

 OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Hedgehog (Erinaccus europ&us^ Linn.). 



The Hedgehog, Urchin or Hedgepig is so distinct from every 

 other British mammal, that anybody could correctly name it 

 at sight. The development of many of its hairs into long, stiff 

 spines gives it an individuality that is not to be confused with 

 any other ; but there are other peculiarities, such as the extreme 

 shortness of the head and neck in comparison with the bulk of 

 its body, and the muscular power that enables it to remain 

 rolled into a ball with every part protected by erected spines. 

 But for the fact that the Hedgehog is frequently introduced 

 into houses and gardens to keep down insect pests, few town- 

 dwellers would have had the opportunity of seeing the Hedge- 

 hog alive ; for it is a nocturnal beast coming from its retreat 

 only at dusk and hunting through the night. There are, how- 

 ever, exceptions to this rule when a heavy summer downpour of 

 rain has drenched the herbage and caused the snails and slugs 

 to show considerable activity. Then the Hedgehog wakens 

 also, and reduces their numbers ; for it is with such fare, plus 

 insects, worms, mice, rats, frogs, lizards and snakes, that the 

 Hedgehog maintains his portliness. He passes the day under 

 a heap of dead leaves or moss in a spinney or thick hedgerow, 

 and the solitary observer in such places may sometimes be 

 guided to this retreat by his snoring ! 



