236 BADGER-HUNTING 



many districts. The demand for badgers 

 ceased ; the supply diminished. We would 

 gladly believe, in a more merciful age, that, 

 apart from legality or illegality, men nowa- 

 days do not generally regard badger-drawing 

 out of boxes or tubs as a reputable sport. 

 All genuine sportsmen have something of 

 the naturalist in their composition, but where 

 this instinct is not developed, the average 

 sportsman is unlikely to trouble himself 

 about an animal that is seldom en evidence, 

 who selects the night for his appearance, 

 and whose invasions into man's sphere are 

 of so unobtrusive a character. The fox, 

 the otter, and other beasts of chase keep 

 themselves before the public by their crimes, 

 but the self- renouncing modesty of the 

 badger has led him to be neglected or 



