BADGER 



observer is amply rewarded if success crowns his efforts, 

 and the experience, even if it has no direct results, has 

 an air of romance which appeals to any boy whose nerves 

 are sufficiently strong to enable him to undertake the task 

 of night-watchman in a sequestered wood where Meles 

 taxus is known to dwell. Silence must be preserved 

 at all cost, the wind must be blowing /row the " earth," 

 as the Badger is very keen-scented, and any suspicion 

 that danger threatens is soon aroused. 



If the parent animal is seen, the onlooker can count 

 himself fortunate indeed ; but if, in addition, the young 

 are also observed playing around their underground 

 abode, one of the most enthralling episodes in the wild- 

 life pageants of rural England will have been witnessed. 



Acute of both scent and hearing, it is impossible to 

 catch a Badger unawares, as it bolts to " earth " im- 

 mediately its presence is detected. Seen under natural 

 conditions, the observ^er, pent-up with excitement, will 

 have some difficulty in controlling his emotions ; but 

 steadiness of purpose, and a knowledge of woodcraft, 

 will accomplish much. As it proceeds on its way, 

 Brock utters a grunting noise as it pursues its midnight 

 pilgrimage, ambHng along on its knuckles, and thus 

 protecting its sharp-nailed toes. The shaggy coat is 

 yellowish-grey in colour, varied with black. There is 

 also black on the limbs and under-parts of the body, 

 with a conspicuous black streak running longitudinally 

 on each side of the white face, and passing through the 



eye and ear. The length over all is about thirty-six 



101 



