The Coati-Nondi. 



53 



THE BADGER. (Meles Taxus.) 



THIS animal inhabits most parts of Europe and Asia. 

 The length of the body is about two feet six inches from 

 the nose to the insertion of the tail, which is short, and 

 black like the throat, breast, and belly ; the hair of the 

 other part of the body is long and rough, of a yellowish 

 white at the roots, black in the middle, and greyish at 

 the point : the toes are much enveloped in the skin, and 

 the long claws of the fore feet enable the animal to dig 

 with great effect : under the tail there is a receptacle, in 

 which is secreted a white fetid substance, that constantly 

 exudes through the orifice, and thus gives the body a 

 most unpleasant smell. Being a solitary animal, it digs 

 a hole for itself, at the bottom of which it remains in 

 perfect security : it feeds upon young rabbits, birds and 

 their eggs, and honey. The female has generally three 

 or four young ones at a time. 



THE COATI-MONDI. (Nasua Narica.) 



THIS creature is a native of South America, not unlike 

 the Racoon in the general form of the body, and, like 

 that animal, frequently sits up on the hinder legs, and 



