210 THE BADGER. 



as a popular amusement. Although his disposition 

 is naturally indolent, yet on these barbarous occa- 

 sions he uses the most vigorous efforts of strength. 

 Throwing himself back on his haunches,, his mo- 

 tions are so rapid that the Dogs are often des- 

 perately wounded on the first assault, and com- 

 pelled to give up the contest. His skin also is so 

 thick and loose, as not only to resist the im- 

 pressions of their teeth, but also to suffer him, 

 even when within their gripe, to turn round upon 

 and wound his adversaries in their most tender 

 parts. In this manner he gallantly resists the re- 

 peated attacks of men and Dogs from all quarters; 

 till, overpowered by numbers, and enfeebled by 

 wounds, he is at last compelled to submit to his 

 miserable fate. 



These animals, if taken young, may easily be 

 domesticated. They will play with Dogs, and 

 readily follow any person who is in the habit of 

 feeding them. They are neither mischievous nor 

 voracious ; and it is said, that in a state of domes- 

 tication they prefer raw meat to any other food, 

 though they do not refuse either bread, fruit, or 

 vegetables. They are such chilly animals, that, 

 when permitted to range at pleasure about a house, 

 they will scarcely ever quit the fire; and they often 

 approach so close to it as to burn themselves. 



Badgers usually live in pairs; but at the time of 

 the female's producing her young, they separate. 

 She collects a quantity of herbage, which she 



carries 



