THE BADGER 



in the trench, to hear the sound of battle 



so near, to wind the enemy, to hear the 



cry of their fighting and perhaps wounded 



companion, and not to be allowed to share in 



the glory of the final action. Now is the 



time if you have a terrier to enter to see 



what he is made of, but there is no time to 



waste on education. You are close up to the 



badger, he cannot be an arm's-length off. 



Draw your dog, the badger will then turn 



his tail to you to dig, or he will charge out. 



Be ready with the tongs, and a good dog in 



case he charges. But if he turns tail get hold 



of it with a good grip. A long pull and a 



steady pull will draw him out, bouncing, 



lunging, and snapping. Now, boys, ready 



with the sack ! Dogs off. All want steady 



nerves now; three hands on the sack mouth 



to keep it open, and take care of your fingers ! 



A twirl round and a quick plunge, and the 



badger is in the bag. Don't let go his tail 



till you have slipped the cord on his hind-leg, 



and made the other end of the cord fast to 



the bag mouth and to a tree. I have seen 



a badger go through a sack like a bullet 



90 



