THE HEDGEHOG 



leave hedgehogs in peace — it would not want 

 to jump on one a second time ! 



When not alarmed, what a different creature 

 the hedgehog is from that ball of prickles we know 

 so well. The spines lie down quite flat, being 

 pressed evenly and closely to its body, so that 

 they look almost like an ordinary coat of hair, 

 and can hardly be told at a little distance from 

 the grey hairs that fringe its face and cover 

 its stomach and legs. Of course there are no 

 spines mixed with the coarse hair on the under 

 parts, for they would be no use here, and would 

 only get in the way, being an annoyance and 

 a hindrance whenever it rolled up. When it 

 looks up on the alert it has a keen intelligent 

 little face, sharp eyes like black beads, small 

 ears hidden among the rough hair, a long snout, 

 and sensitive nose, which has earned for it its 

 name of ' pig of the hedge ' or ' hedgehog.' 

 In many parts of the country it is also called 

 the ' urchin,' but the former name suits it 

 best, for with its short legs, rather long body, 

 tiny tail, and pig-like way of rooting about, 

 the likeness is undeniable. Of course it has 

 really nothing whatever to do with a pig, being 

 a totally different kind of creature. Despite 

 its short legs its movements are more nimble 



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