SCENT. 155 



of this lately occurred in the Zoological gardens 

 in the Regent's Park. 



The Earl of Derby had presented the Society 

 with a Buffalo, which arrived at the Gardens in 

 the evening in a covered van. When the van 

 was at a considerable distance from a yard, in 

 which another buffalo was confined, they both 

 evinced much restlessness, so that it was evident 

 to the different attendants, that they were aware 

 of the propinquity of each other. The buffalo in 

 the gardens was so eager to get out of his enclo- 

 sure, that it was thought prudent to tie the gate 

 more securely, and this was done with a rope taken 

 accidentally from the newly arrived van. On its 

 being attached to the gate, the buffalo shewed the 

 greatest pleasure, licking it constantly, and re- 

 mained by it the whole of the night. The one in 

 the van was equally eager to join the other, thus 

 proving that scent alone made them aware of the 

 approach of one of their species.* 



Badgers, those solitary and persecuted animals, 

 are enabled probably to find each other by scent 

 alone, as I have never yet heard them utter any 

 sound, neither have I been able to find out, by 

 inquiring of poachers, or other persons in the habit 

 of taking them, that any cry or call has been 

 made by them. Buffon, and some other writers 

 on Natural History, have affirmed that the badger 

 digs up wasp's nests for the sake of the honey. 



