HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 255 



is frequently baited with Dogs trained for that purpofe. 

 This inhuman diverfion is chiefly confined to the idle and 

 the vicious, who take a cruel pleafure in feeing this 

 harmlefs animal furrounded by its enemies, and defend- 

 ing itfelf from their attacks, which it does with aftonifli- 

 ing agility and fuccefs. Its motions are fo quick, that a 

 Dog is frequently defperately wounded in the firft mo- 

 ment of aflault, and obliged to fly. The thicknefs of the 

 Badger's fldn, and the length and coarfenefs of its hair, 

 are an excellent defence againft the bites of the Dogs : 

 Its fldn is fo loofe, as to refift the impreflions of their 

 teeth, and give the animal an opportunity of turning it- 

 felf round, and wounding its adverfaries in their tender- 

 eft parts. In this manner this fingular creature is able to 

 refift repeated attacks both of men and dogs, from all 

 quarters ; till, being overpowered with numbers, and en- 

 feebled by many defperate wounds, it is at laft obliged to 

 fubmit. 



The Badger is an indolent animal, and fleeps much. 

 It confines itfelf to its hole during the whole day, and 

 feeds only in the night. It is fo cleanly, as never to de- 

 file 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 exift 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 Sweden. 



The ufual length of the Badger is fomewhat above two 

 feet, exclufive of the tail, which is about fix inches long ; 

 its eyes are fmall, and are placed in a black (tripe, which 

 begins behind the ears, and runs tapering towards the 

 nofe ; the throat and legs are black ; the back, fides, and 

 tail, are of a dirty-grey, mixed with black ; the legs and 



