HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



-IS/ 



THE HEDGE-HOG, OR URCHIN. 



(Erinaccns Eiiropeus, Linn. Lc Herisson, Buff.) 



THIS animal, destitute of every other means of 

 defence, is provided by nature with a spinous 

 armour, which secures it from the attacks of all the 

 smaller beasts of prey: such as Weasels, Martins, 

 Polecats, &c., When alarmed, it immediately col- 

 lects itself into the form of a ball, and presents on 

 all sides a surface covered with sharp points, which 

 few animals are hardy enough to engage. The 

 more it is harassed, the closer it rolls itself; till its 

 fears become an additional means of safety, by 

 causing it to void its urine, which, running over its 

 whole body, frequently obliges its enemy to desist, 

 disgusted by the smell. 



There are few Dogs that will venture to attack 

 the Hedge-Hog, except such as are trained to the 

 sport, merely to gratify the cruel pleasure of see- 

 ing a harmless animal endure, with astonishing 

 patience, the most wanton outrages ; whilst the 

 Dogs, becoming more enraged at the wounds they 

 receive from its prickles, at last oblige it to unfold 



