THE HEDGEHOG 



It takes little notice of human beings unless closely approached or touched, 

 when, trusting to its strong defensive covering, it makes no effort to escape. 



Its food is very varied, consisting of insects of different sorts — grass- 

 hoppers I have found to be peculiarly attractive — worms, small mammals, 

 and young birds. 



It is also said to prey on the viper and common snake and to 

 possess immunity from snake-poison. 



The Hedgehog usually retreats for hibernation about the end of 

 November or beginning of December, though it may appear again 

 at intervals during the winter. 



One I found asleep on December 24, 191 8, was beneath a bramble 

 bush in a copse, where in a slight hollow in the ground it had pre- 

 pared a bed of leaves and grass which entirely covered the animal. 



It seemed to resent disturbance, as on visiting the place some days 

 later I found the occupant had gone. 



The Hedgehog usually breeds twice in the year, about four or five 

 young being born at a time. Gilbert White observed that they are quite 

 white at first, possess little hanging ears, and can in part draw their skin 

 down over their faces, though unable to contract themselves into a ball. 



I. 



