[Illustration:
THE HEDGEHOG.
]
The Hedgehog generally resides in small thickets and hedges; lives on
fruits, worms, beetles, and all kinds of insects; it conceals itself in
the day, and feeds only during the night. This animal is provided by
nature with a prickly armour, which defends it from the attacks of all
the smaller beasts of prey. When alarmed, it immediately collects itself
into the form of a ball, and presents on all sides a surface covered
with sharp points, which few animals are hardy enough to engage. The
more it is harassed, the closer it rolls itself. There are few dogs that
will venture to attack the Hedgehog. This little animal has been so far
domesticated as to learn to turn a spit by means of a small wheel in
which it is placed; it likewise answered to its name. In the winter, it
wraps itself up in a warm nest, made of moss, dried grass, and leaves;
and sleeps out the greater part of that season. It is frequently found
so completely encircled with herbage that it resembles a ball of dried
leaves.
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