THE BADGER. 



boughs, with their leaves on; and when the Badger 

 treads on them, they give way and let him in. 



The digging of Badgers out of their dens is 

 generally a work of time; and, if the Terriers do not 

 keep the animal constantly at bay, he is able to pe- 

 netrate the earth, and bury himself faster than the 

 workmen can follow him*. 



The skin of the Badger, when properly dressed, 

 with the hair on, is not easily penetrated by 

 moisture, and consequently is often used for 

 knapsacks, pistol furniture, and the coverings of 

 trunks. The Highlanders make their pendant 

 pouches of it. The hair is also made into brushes, 

 to soften and harmonize the shades in painting, 

 which, therefore, are called sweetening tools. The 

 flesh is in great esteem among the Chinese. Mr. 

 Bell speaks of having seen the flesh of a dozen 

 Badgers exposed at the same time for sale in the 

 markets at Pekin. In England the hind quarters 

 are the only parts of the Badger that are eaten ; 

 but the hams are considered as superior in flavour 

 to those of the Hog. The fat was formerly in great 

 request for ointments and salves. 



Badgers are occasionally found in most of the 

 wild and uncultivated parts both of Great Britain 

 and Ireland. 



* Daniel's Rural Sports, i. p. 364. 



This 





