74 TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY 



of the voracity of shrews, says: "It is most fortunate that shrews are 

 not as large as lions, otherwise they would depopulate the whole earth, 

 and finally themselves die of hunger." These useful little creatures are 

 to be found in wood and field, hill and valley. In the winter they are 

 fond of visiting stables and barns, where they actively engage in the 

 pursuit of mice. 



A closely-related species is the Water Shrew (Crossopus fodiens). As 

 its name implies, it is pre-eminently an inhabitant of the water, and as 

 such an excellent swimmer. By means of the long hairs on its hind-feet, 

 which can be spread out in comb-like fashion, these limbs are made to 

 serve as effective oars. On land these hairs are applied closely to the 

 skin ; the animal is thus not impeded in its movements, whilst the hairs 

 themselves are protected against wear. The presence of a hairy comb 

 on the under side of the tail converts this organ into a rudder. The 

 thick fur (see otter) prevents the water from penetrating to the skin. 

 Apart from insects and their larvae, small fish form its principal 

 nutriment. 



Family 3 : Hedgehogs (Erinacei). 



The Common Hedgehog {Erinaceus europceus). 



(Length about 12 inches.) 



Judging from its dentition, the hedgehog appears to live principally 

 on insects and small vertebrates. By reason of its larger size, its short 

 burrowing snout and its prickly armour, it is not fitted for an underground 

 existence like its relatives the mole and the shrew ; but is able, by the help 

 of its snout and its strongly-clawed toes, to dig after mice, to rummage 

 among the leaves after insects, worms and snails, and to build an inar- 

 tistic dwelling in the earth under thick bushes. This animal deserves 

 our protection, being a zealous destroyer of mice and vipers, the sting of 

 which has for it no more serious consequences than a pin-prick has for 

 us. Still, on occasions it gives offence by seizing a young bird from its 

 nest near the ground, or perhaps a young chick from the poultry-yard, 

 or even by taking toll from the windfalls of our orchards. Its life being 

 passed above ground, its eyes are also much larger than those of its two 

 near relatives, and the ears cannot be closed. It has neither great bodily 

 strength for defending itself against its enemies, nor is it able to evade 

 them by rapid flight. Consequently it is timid, and afraid of the light, 

 generally passing the day concealed in its hole. Indeed, this plump, 

 awkward creature would long since have disappeared from the face of the 

 earth if it did not possess excellent means of protection in its earth- 



