THE BADGER 



which they scratch in the ground in search 

 of beetles and roots of various kinds. They 

 rarely descend into low-lying meadows, ex- 

 cept to drink. Choose a starlight night with 

 a slight breeze blowing, and approach the 

 earth up the wind. Do not hurry your dog ; 

 if he knows his work, he will range freely, 

 but he often takes a long time to puzzle out 

 the track. If you miss him, go on slowly in 

 the direction in which you last saw him, often 

 stopping to listen. 



" ' What was that ? ' The dry sticks crack 

 in a hedge far below you. ' Hark ! two 

 sharp eager barks ; what does it mean ? ' 

 Why, that Grip is wheeling out in a half- 

 circle to gain slightly on the badger, and 

 then to dash in and get him by the head. 

 Run now as you never ran before. Head 

 over heels into a ditch ; never mind, up 

 and on again the best dog can't hold a 

 badger for ever. There they are out in the 

 open, Grip with a tight hold of the badger by 

 the side of the head, with his legs tucked 

 back out of harm's way. Grasp him with the 

 tongs as near the neck as possible. Take off 

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