270 THE HEDGEHOG OR UBCHIN. 



big hedgehog, and the average weight in mid- 

 summer is probably about 2 Ib. 



LENGTH OF LIFE. 



Considering the sedentary and sheltered life it 

 leads, the hedgehog is not a long-living creature. 

 One that had spent the major portion of its time 

 in captivity seemed to be showing signs of old 

 age in its fifth year; unluckily its fondness for 

 water ended its well-meaning, ill -doing career 

 ere the hand of Time struck the inevitable hour. 

 Five or six years would appear to be the hedgehog's 

 allotted span. A hardy specimen may still be 

 flourishing at seven, and may live to see eight. 

 Unfortunately, hedgehogs kept in captivity usually 

 contrive to come to an untimely end ere old age 

 steps in, with the result that it is difficult to arrive 

 at a definite conclusion. 



