282 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



rounded by its enemies, and defending itself from 

 their attacks, which it does with astonishing agility 

 and success. Its motions are so quick, that a Dog 

 is frequently desperately wounded in the first mo- 

 ment of assault, and obliged to fly. The thickness 

 of the Badger's skin, and the length and coarseness 

 of its hair, are an excellent defence against the 

 bites of the Dogs : its skin is so loose, as to resist 

 the impressions of their teeth, and give the animal 

 an opportunity of turning itself round, and wound- 

 ing its adversaries in their tenderest parts. In this 

 manner this singular creature is able to resist re- 

 peated attacks both of men and dogs, from all 

 quarters; till, being overpowered with numbers, 

 and enfeebled by many desperate wounds, it is at 

 last obliged to submit. 



The Badger is an indolent animal, and sleeps 

 much. It confines itself to its hole during the 

 whole day, and feeds only in the night. It is so 

 cleanly, as never to defile its habitation with its 

 ordure. It breeds only once in a year, and brings 

 forth four or five at a time. 



It is not known to exist in warm countries. It 

 is an original native of the temperate climates 

 of Europe; and is found, without any variety, in 

 Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Poland, 

 and wSweden. 



The usual length of the Badger is somewhat 

 above two feet, exclusive of the tail, which is about 

 six inches long; its eyes are small, and are placed 

 in a black stripe, which begins behind the ears, 

 and runs tapering towards the nose ; the throat and 

 legs are black; the back, sides, and tail, are of a 

 dirty grey, mixed with black; the legs and feet are 

 very short, strong, and thick; each foot consists of 



