BADGERS AND THEIR WAYS 



earth, having made a comfortable bed of grass, hay, 

 and leaves, it passes the whole day, mostly sleeping 

 away its time. Occasionally, however, this animal 

 will rear her young above ground. During the spring 

 of last year (1903), while cutting a thick gorse covert 

 in Staffordshire, the people at work came on a litter 

 of five young badgers lying in a shallow nest, with no 

 other protection than the natural seclusion of the covert. 

 The badger's habits are essentially nocturnal, as well 

 as very shy and secretive, and not until after evening 

 has fallen does it stir abroad. At night it is very active 

 and very wideawake, rambling for long distances in 

 search of food and for exercise. It is an omnivorous 

 eater, and when sharp-set will no doubt devour almost 

 anything. But chiefly it preys on slugs, worms (of 

 which it is very fond), beetles, moles, and various 

 roots, bulbs, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It is 

 partial to the bulbs of the wild hyacinth, and roots 

 up many a plant. It is, too, extremely fond of wild 

 strawberries, and anyone possessing a tame badger 

 and a good strawberry bed will do well to see that 

 his pet is not allowed the free run of the garden 

 while this fruit is about. The badger is also a great 

 epicure in eggs, and much of the hostility of game- 

 keepers to this animal lies undoubtedly in the fact that 

 it will, when it gets the chance, devour a whole nest 

 of partridge or pheasant eggs. Badgers are said also 

 to be fond of honey ; and, knowing the extraordinary 

 craving of their South African cousin, the ratel, for 

 this delicacy, I should say it is not improbable that 

 they may occasionally partake of it. It is certain that 

 these animals have a particular liking for the nest 

 and larvae of wasps and wild bees, digging down 

 with strong feet and infinite perseverance till they 

 attain their object. In the captive state a young 

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