HEDGEHOG. 
The charadler of this g^nus of animals, in 
which there are very few species, is — that 
they have five toes on each foot ; and the body- 
is covered with strong spines, or prickles. 
Though the Common Hedgehog, or Eri- 
naceus Kuropasus of Linnaeus, has a very 
formidable appearance, it is one of the most 
harmless creatures in the universe. 
It's head, back, and sides, are covered with 
strong sharp spines or prickles ; but the nose, 
breast^ and belly, are cloathed with tine soft 
hair. The legs are short, almost naked, and 
of a dusky colour ; the ears are broad, round, 
and naked ; the eyes are small, and placed 
high in the head ; tlic mouth, which is also 
small, is well furnished with teeth, to chew 
it's food, but of little use either for attack or 
defence. The toes on each foot are long and 
serrated; and the tail, which is httlc more 
than an inch in length, is so concealed by the 
spines 
