414 



QUADRUPEDS. 



covered by enormous heaps of snow : in this way they pass the months of January and 

 February in a state of profound lethargy. 



FIG. 459. POLAR BEAR. 



The Racoons (Procyoii)* might also be taken for bears in miniature, ex- 

 cept that they are furnished with long tails, are better climbers, and more 

 carnivorous. They inhabit the forests of North America, where they 'live 

 upon eggs and small birds. They are remarkable for their singular instinct 

 of never eating anything until they have plunged it into water. 



The Badgers (Meles) are likewise plantigrade animals of nocturnal habits. 

 Their tail is short, and their toes much concealed by the skin of their feet ; 

 but they are principally distinguished by a pouch situated under the tail, which 

 furnishes a fatty foetid secretion. Their fore claws are very long, enabling them 

 to dig in the earth. 



The Common Badgers (Meles Europea), found in all the temperate regions of 

 Europe and Asia, lives at the bottom of a tortuous hole obliquely excavated in the 

 ground, and is about the stature of a middle-sized dog. Formerly the hunting of this 

 animal was a favourite sport, and it was baited by terrier dogs, against which its jaws, 

 armed with strong teeth, and its long powerful nails, enabled it advantageously to de- 

 fend itself. It inflicts deep wounds, and, lying on its back, fights with all its claws. 



The Glutton (Gtild) very much resembles the badger, but is more carni- 

 vorous. It inhabits the arctic regions, has the character of being very cruel, 

 hunts by night, and is said to overcome animals of large size by leaping upon 

 them from a tree. Its name has been derived from exaggerated accounts of 

 one species, the Wolverine of North America. It is said not to hybernate 

 during the winter. 



* Trpo/ciW, procyon, one tvho snarls like a dog. 



