336 



MAMMALIA. 



near the root of its tail. Being extremely cunning, it manifests 

 much sagacity in avoiding traps ; but it is courageous, and 

 will defend itself stoutly when attacked. When Dogs are pur- 

 suing it, its iirst effort is to get to its burrow, where it woiild 

 probably be safe ; but if the place of refuge be at a distance, 

 the Badger will fight to the death. In such cases, the animal 

 throws itself on its back, and seldom yields up life without 

 inflicting severe wounds on its enemies. But if, on the con- 

 trary, the Badger reaches its hole, it becomes a difficult matter 

 to dig it out, as it is often necessary to break through into the 



Fig. 133.— Common Badger (Mdes vulgaris, Dumarest). 



runs of the burrow by means of a pickaxe ; and these rims go 

 down so deep, and occupy so much space, that whole days have 

 been consumed before the animal could be secured. 



"When caught young, the Badger may be easily tamed, and 

 becomes almost as familiar as a Dog. The great variety of food 

 which it thrives upon renders it easy to keep. Its skin is used by 

 harness-makers, its hair serves for the manufacture of shaviao"- 

 brushes, and its flesh is said to be delicate. 



In India, the Badger is represented by Melcs collan's, frequently 

 called Bear Pig ; and in North America, by Meks lahradoria, the 

 form and habits of the latter have been admirably described by 

 Sir John Richardson in his Fauna BoreaJi Americana. 



