CHAPTER XLIV 



Animal Helpers (continued) 



The food of the hedgehog is chiefly com- 

 posed of insects. The smallest are despised 

 and are of no use to it, but the larva of a 

 cockchafer, or a plump mole-cricket, is a 

 prime capture. If they are not too deep 

 down he digs with his paws and nose till he 

 gets them up. All night he prowls about, 

 seeking out and devouring any number of 

 enemies without showing any special pre- 

 ference. 



The following story is taken from a book 

 by a learned observer: "In a chest in 

 which a female hedgehog was nursing her 

 young I placed a strong viper, who rolled 

 himself up in the opposite corner. The 

 hedgehog approached slowly, smelling the 

 reptile, who at once raised his head, assuming 

 a defensive attitude and exhibiting his poison- 

 ous fangs. For a moment the aggressor re- 

 treated, but soon returned boldly, when the 



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