182 
THE BADGER. 
because he possesses great strength, and 
furnished with formidable teeth, as if he wer® 
destined to live by rapine : though, in fact, 
is a perfectly inoffensive animal. If Natur^ 
has denied the badger the speed requisite 
escaping enemies, she has supplied him 
such weapons of defence that scarcely 
creature will dare to attack him. Few 
mals defends themselves better, or bite hardetj 
when pursued. He soon comes to bay, 
fights with great obstinacy ; but, though he 
tenacious of life, yet to him, as to the otter, ^ 
slight blow on the snout is mortal. He 
hunted with terriers, and his obstinate defend® 
affords great diversion to those who 
thoughtless and unfeeling enough to take pl^^ 
sure in the torments of a harmless creature- 
The badger is not known to do any furth^’' 
mischief to mankind than in scratching up 
ground in search of food, which is always doO^ 
at night. This circumstance has sugges<^® 
