254 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



calls of Nature. It is familiar, and even carefiing ; leaps 

 upon thofe it is fond of, plays fportively, and moves a- 

 bout with great agility. 



This animal is hunted for its flcin, which is next in va- 

 lue to that of the Beaver for making hats. 



The BAD GER. 



Although Nature has furniftied this animal with for- 

 midable weapons of offence, and has befides given it 

 ftrength fufficient to ufe them with great effect, it is, 

 notwithstanding, very harmlefs and inofFenfive, and, un- 

 lefs attacked, employs them only for its fupport. 



The Badger retires to the molt fecret receffes ; where 

 it digs its hole, and forms its habitation under-ground. — 

 Its food confifts chiefly of roots, fruits, grafs, infects, and 

 frogs. It is charged with deftroying lambs and rabbits ; 

 but there feems to be no other reafon to confider it as a 

 beaft of prey, than the analogy between its teeth and 

 thofe of carnivorous animals. 



Few creatures defend themfelves better, or bite with 

 greater keennefs, than the Badger. On that account it 



