. Illustrated natural history : comprising descriptions of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, insects, etc., with sketches of their peculiar habits and characteristics . Zoology. 9» VERTEBRATES. of its body a poignant weapon of defence. Even frpm its fear tliis animal obtains another engine of security; the swell of its urine, which, when attacked, it gene- jally sheds, being sufficient to disgust its enemy with the contest, and to keep him at a distance. Thus the generality of dogs are content with barking at the Hedgehog, when it falls in their way, without discovering any inclination to Hedg
. Illustrated natural history : comprising descriptions of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, insects, etc., with sketches of their peculiar habits and characteristics . Zoology. 9» VERTEBRATES. of its body a poignant weapon of defence. Even frpm its fear tliis animal obtains another engine of security; the swell of its urine, which, when attacked, it gene- jally sheds, being sufficient to disgust its enemy with the contest, and to keep him at a distance. Thus the generality of dogs are content with barking at the Hedgehog, when it falls in their way, without discovering any inclination to Hedgehog. seize it. Of these, however, there are some which, like the fox, have had the address to master it, though of the martin, the polecat, the ferret, the weasel, or any of the birds of prey, it has no dread. When at large in the country, they are generally found in woods, under the trunks of old trees, as also in the clefts of rocks. It is probable that they do not climb up trees, as some naturalists have affirmed, nor that they make use of their prickles to carry off the fruit; it is with their mouth they seize it; and though they are very numerous in our forests, observers have never seen one upon a tree. They always remain at the foot, in some hollow space, or under moss. They remain in a state of inactivity all day; they only venture abroad by night, and seldom approach human habita- tions. They sleep during the winter; and therefore everything that has been said of their laying up provisions for that season must be false. They at no time eat much, and can subsist very long without any food whatever. Hedgehogs are occasionally eaten, and their flesh is said to be delicate food; their skin is not any longer converted to the smallest use, though the ancients used it for the purpose of a clothes-brush. The Hedgehog may be rendered domestic, and in that state is very useful in destroying cockroaches and beetles, which he pur- sues and devours with great activity. He is beli
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1883
