Order INSECTIVORA— INSECT-EATING MAMMALS 
Family ERINACEID^E. 
Genus Erinaceus. 
THE HEDGEHOG. 
Erinaceus europteus Liniieeus. 
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 armour 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and other vulnerable parts may be quickly withdrawn under their 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 stiff 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 
3' 
