THE BADGETi. 117 



Means of defence Mode of living. 



vegetable food ; but it is provided with such wea- 

 pons, that few creatures can attack it with impu- 

 nity. The address and courage with which it 

 defends itself against beasts of prey, have caused 

 it to be frequently baited with dogs, as a popular 

 amusement; and on such occasions, though na- 

 turally of an indolent disposition, he makes 

 the most vigorous exertions, and sometimes in- 

 flicts desperate wounds on his adversaries. The 

 kin is so thick and loose, as not only to resist 

 the impression of the teeth, but also to suffer 

 him, even when within their gripe, to turn round 

 upon and bite them in the most tender parts. 

 Thus does he resist the repeated attacks both 

 of men and dogs ; till overpowered by numbers, 

 and enfeebled by wounds, he is at length obliged 

 to submit. 



These animals generally live in pairs, and pro- 

 duce four or five young annually. They reside 

 in woody places, in the clefts of rocks, or in bur- 

 rows which they form in the ground. They 

 continue in their habitations during the day, and 

 do not appear abroad till evening. At times, 

 from indulging in indolence and sleep, they be- 

 come excessively fat. During the severe wea- 

 ther of winter they remain in a state of torpidity 

 sleeping on a commodious bed of dried grass. 

 Under the tail is a receptacle, in which is secreted 

 a white fetid substance, that constantly exudes 

 through the orifice, and occasions % most u,n? 

 pleasant smell. 



