THE BADGER 



disputed authority, and whilst every attention 

 should be given to the opinions expressed in 

 the councils of war during the progress of the 

 siege, there must be no hesitation in carrying 

 out the plan of campaign when once decided 

 on, or the day may be wasted in earthworks, 

 in making trenches, and attempts to cut off 

 subterranean ways which have been begun 

 only to be abandoned. The terriers are the 

 most important requisite ; they must be good, 

 the right size, hardy, enduring, and reliable. 

 No matter how game a dog is, if he cannot 

 follow the badger he is useless. He must 

 above all be full-mouthed, sharp-tongued, and 

 ready to keep his voice going for hours 

 together. He must be absolutely true, or he 

 may make a fool of you, and lie fast in the 

 earth baying an imaginary foe, or barking 

 and scratching to get up a small rabbit-hole. 

 Beware of a terrier that will think of such 

 vermin when employed to fly at much higher 

 game. They are worse indeed than useless, 

 and often have I been driven nearly wild by 

 being persuaded to allow some man proud of 

 his terrier to let him go. 



