54 AXECDOTES OF ANIMALS. 



when roused, are fierce. They have a glaiid under 

 the tail which secretes a liquid of a most disagreeable 

 odour, and causes them to pass into a sort of proverb. 

 They feed chiefly on roots, nuts, and other fruits ; 

 attack the nests of wasps, or wild bees, and devour 

 their larvae, themselves, or their honey, with a perfect 

 indifference to their stings, which cannot pierce through 

 their tough hide. They prey at night, and live in the 

 thickest parts of woods or coppices, where they rapidly 

 dig deep holes, by means of their sharp and powerful 

 claws. These holes are divided into several chambers, 

 the innermost of which is round, and lined with hay or 

 grass. All are kept very clean, and every waste remnant 

 of food and species of filth is deposited in holes dug on 

 purpose for its reception. The passages to the dwell- 

 ings frequently turn at sharp angles, at which places 

 the badgers make a stand when attacked. Mr. St. 

 John caused a badger's hole to be dug out, and he there 

 found balls of grass, rolled up to the size of a man's fist, 

 evidently intended for food. That gentleman also says, 

 that he has frequently found the bulb of the common 

 blue hyacinth lying near the hole. They devour, besides 

 all sorts of vegetables, small animals, whether alive or 

 dead, snails, and worms; but their peculiar dainty con- 

 sists of eggs. A partridge's nest affords them a de- 

 licious feast, particularly if they include the sitting hen. 

 Badgers have a peculiarly formed chest and jaw, 

 which give them great strength; their forehead is so 

 thick, in consequence of a ridge which runs down the 

 middle of it, that they are unhurt by a blow in front 

 which would kill an ox ; while almost a touch at the 

 back of the head will cause their destruction. Their 

 thick skin, which lies loosely upon them, is much used 



