THE BADGER. 381- 



Qmusement. Thougli naturally of an indolent dis- 

 position, he now exerts the most vigorous eiforts, 

 and very frequently inflicts desperate wounds on hi* 

 adversaries. The skin is so thick and loose, as not 

 only to resist the impressions 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. 

 In this manner does he resist the repeated attacks, 

 both of men and dogs, from all quarters ; till, over- 

 powered with numbers, and enfeebled by wounds, 

 he is at last obliged to submit *. 



The Badger inhabits woody places, in the clefts of 

 rocks, or in burrows which he forms in the ground 

 He is a very cleanly animal, keeping his subterra- 

 neous mansions exceedingly neat. He continues in 

 his habitation during the day, and does not makf 

 his appearance abroad till the evening. At times, 

 from indulging in indolence and sleep, he becomes 

 excessively fat. During the severe weather of win- 

 ter he remains in a torpid state in his den, sleeping 

 on a commodious bed formed of dried grass. Un- 

 der the tail is a receptacle, in which is secreted a 

 white fetid substance, that constantly exudes through 

 the orifice, and thus gives him a m.ost unpleasant 

 smell t. 



These animals are not known to do any further 

 mischief to mankind, than in scratching and rooting 

 up the ground, in search of food ; which is always 

 performed during the night. From this circum- 

 stance arises one of the modes usually practised in 



* Bew, Quad. 555. t Kerr, i. IbZ- 



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