60 VIGNETTES FROM NATURE. 



and indeed the tenrec of Mauritius is a 

 hedgehog in an early stage of evolution, with 

 the spines only half developed. The mole in 

 like manner represents the same primitive 

 insectivorous type, plus the peculiar powerful 

 shovel hands, the hidden eye, the covered 

 ear, and the close fur, which fit it so well for 

 its underground life. It is just the same with 

 the scaly armour of the armadillo, and the 

 long snout or brush- clad hind feet of the 

 ant-eater. In every case these low forms 

 have only survived through a singular com- 

 bination of favouring circumstances isolated 

 position, unusual habits, special protective 

 armour or concealment, immense adaptation 

 to peculiar needs. What can be more inter- 

 esting than to notice the independent occur- 

 rence of the very same device of spiny mail in 

 two creatures so unlike in structure yet so 

 like in habit as the echidna and the hedgehog ? 

 But if I go on preaching in this way I shall 

 never carry my hedgehog home. 



