The little book of British quadrupeds

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.