NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



must have been born some time' in November. I 

 kept them in an enclosure in a warm, sheltered 

 situation along with several others which were 

 adult. They never quarrelled or squabbled over 

 their food, as is the case with most other species 

 of animals. After becoming familiar with their 

 new quarters they frequently uncoiled and lay at 

 full stretch facing the sun, so as to expose their 

 under parts to his warm rays. The crackling of a 

 twig, or the approach of the household cat or dog 

 was the signal to close up tight. One of the adults 

 tunnelled a hole in the loose earth against one of 

 the wooden sides of the enclosure, through which 

 it and two others escaped. 



The following day, hearing my terrier barking 

 furiously, I went along to see what was the cause 

 of his excitement. I expected to find him torment- 

 ing a snake. To my surprise it was a Hedgehog. 

 I concealed myself and watched, curious to see 

 what would happen. The dog rolled the Hedgehog 

 over and over with his paws, tilted it with his nose, 

 gnawed sideways at it ; eventually he lay down, 

 panting and exhausted. Then he moved off a few 

 paces, and lying flat on the ground, watched the 

 round, bristly ball, which defied all his efforts to 

 rend asunder. Presently the ball began to move, 

 then a little sensitive nose was thrust out. Failing 

 to detect the presence of the dog by scent, the 

 Hedgehog, with a jerk, released its body and peeped 

 out from under its bristling coat of spines. Spying 



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