Order INSECTIVORA— INSECT-EATING MAMMALS 



Family ERINACEIDiE. 

 Genus Erinaceus. 



THE HEDGEHOG. 



Erinacetis etirop(eus, Linnaeus. 

 Plate 7. 



The list of the British Insectivora or insect-eating mammals is 

 comparatively short, namely the Hedgehog, the Mole, and three species 

 of Shrews. The Hedgehog or Urchin, whose length from nose to root 

 of tail varies from about 8 to lo inches, is common in many country 

 districts. The armoul- of strong prickly spines covering the greater part 

 of the body is so controlled by muscular action that when required 

 the sharp points can project in almost every direction, while the head 

 and other vulnerable parts may be quickly withdrawn under their 

 protection. The spines, yellowish white in colour, with a dark band 

 towards the points, are closely set in the tough skin, and under normal 

 conditions, ., as when the animal is in movement, they follow the line 

 of the body and lie pointing backwards. 



A covering of stiiF pale-brown or whitish hairs clothes the other parts 

 of the body. The snout and face are dark, especially round the eyes. 



The spiny coat affords such effective protection when the animal is 

 tightly curled into a ball that few enemies care to tackle it, though a 

 high-couraged terrier, in spite of severe punishment, will force an entrance, 

 while the Fox and Badger are also able to overcome it. It is not known 



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