THE BADGER 



in the trench, to hear the sound of battle 

 so near, to wind the enemy, to hear the 

 cry of their fighting and perhaps wounded 

 companion, and not to be allowed to share in 

 the glory of the final action. Now is the 

 time if you have a terrier to enter to see 

 what he is made of, but there is no time to 

 waste on education. You are close up to the 

 badger, he cannot be an arm's-length off. 

 Draw your dog, the badger will then turn 

 his tail to you to dig, or he will charge out. 

 Be ready with the tongs, and a good dog in 

 case he charges. But if he turns tail get hold 

 of it with a good grip. A long pull and a 

 steady pull will draw him out, bouncing, 

 lunging, and snapping. Now, boys, ready 

 with the sack ! Dogs off. All want steady 

 nerves now ; three hands on the sack mouth 

 to keep it open, and take care of your fingers! 

 A twirl round and a quick plunge, and the 

 badger is in the bag. Don't let go his tail 

 till you have slipped the cord on his hind-leg, 

 and made the other end of the cord fast to 

 the bag mouth and to a tree. I have seen 

 a badger go through a sack like a bullet 

 90 



