MAMMALS. 63 



Badger in defending itself would inflict frightful wounds 

 with teeth and claws, and only eventually succumbed 

 from exhaustion. Naturally, if unmolested, the Badger 

 is of a most peaceable disposition, and so timid that, 

 on the least alarm, it makes at once for its earth, for, 

 in spite of its ungainly figure, it can run at a rapid 

 rate. Its diet is rather a mixed one, consisting of 

 various roots, fruits, eggs, small animals, Frogs, and 

 insects. It is particularly fond of the grubs of Wasps, 

 and will dig out the nests with its strong claws quite 

 regardless of stings, against which its thick skin is 

 proof. Opinions differ as to whether the Badger is 

 worthy of protection or not, but there is no doubt that 

 it does sometimes eat Pheasants and eggs, and is very 

 fond of young Rabbits: It obtains these last by 

 digging straight down from above, and the writer knows 

 of an instance in which the stomach of one contained 

 twenty-two which it had dug out of their nests. If kept 

 in confinement the Badger is easily tamed, but most 

 people make the mistake of giving only animal food, 

 instead of a mixed diet as above, with the natural result 

 the poor beast dies. Two old and three young ones 

 were caught alive near Kinnerley in February, 1898 

 (early for young ones), and kept in a farm yard. They 

 were kept on a flesh diet, and " devoured many Fowls, 

 but the treat they most appreciated seemed to be a Cat." 

 The general colour of the Badger is greyish, with black 

 under-parts, and the head white, with a black band 

 running lengthwise past each eye. The hair is much 

 used for making brushes, and each hair is banded red, 

 black, and white. Total length, nearly 3 feet. 



