^TEASELS. 59 



All badgers may be recognised by the broad black 

 band across their cheek. Those of India have longer 

 legs than those of Europe ; their snout is also pro- 

 longed like that of a hog ; and their tail resembles 

 that of the latter animal. They are very slow in 

 their movements ; and when affronted make a peculiar 

 grunting noise, and bristle up the hair of their back. 

 If still more roused, they stand on their hind-legs as 

 bears do, have much power in their fore-legs, and are 

 extremely savage when provoked. 



WEASELS. 



THE second tribe of Carnivora walks upon its toes, and 

 is consequently called Digitigrada. It is chiefly com- 

 posed of a number of smaller animals, which are very 

 interesting from many of their habits, very precious from 

 the valuable fur which they afford, and in many instances 

 are so destructive that they go under the common name 

 of Vermin. A numerous genus bears the appellation 

 of Vermiform, because their bodies are long and their 

 legs are short, which formation enables them to slide 

 through small apertures in worm fashion, twisting them- 

 selves through the winding passages with their bodies 

 touching the ground. They destroy much game, and, 

 except when trained to' kill rats and rabbits, are objects 

 of persecution and dislike. Among them are weasels, 

 polecats, ferrets, martens, skunks, and others. The 

 ermine and sable are included with the martens ; and 

 the three first send forth a disagreeable odour. They, 

 however, are not to be compared in this respect to the 



