426 
COMMON BADGER. 
his body is long ; his legs short ; his claws, especi- 
ally those of the fore feet, very long and strong ; 
he digs and penetrates the earth with greater faci- 
lity than any other animal ; he makes his hole 
winding and oblique. The fox, who cannot dig 
with equal dexterity, avails himself of the ope- 
rations of the badger. Being unable to make 
him quit bis habitation by force, the fox practises 
every art to render hirn uneasy. He stands sen- 
tinel at the entrance of the hole, and even defiles 
it with his ordure. He afterwards takes posses- 
sion, enlarges, and fits it up for his own accom- 
modation. The badger, though obliged to change 
his habitation, leaves not his country ; he goes to 
a small distance only, where he digs a fresh hole. 
When at some distance from his hole, he is soon 
overtaken by the dogs. They seldom, however, 
accomplish their purpose without assistance. The 
hair of the badger is very thick ; and his legs, 
jaws, teeth, and claws, are exceedingly strong. 
These natural weapons he uses with courage and 
dexterity. He lies on his back, and resists all 
the efforts of the dogs, and wounds them in the 
most dangerous maimer. He is besides tenacious 
of life, fights long, makes a brave defence, and 
persists to the last extremity. 
The young ones are easily tamed ; they play 
with the dogs, and follow the person who feeds 
them ; but when taken old they continue always 
savage. They are neither mischievous nor raven- 
ous, like the wolf and the fox. They often remain 
in their . holes three or four days together, especially 
during snow. They keep their habitations ex- 
tremely clean, and never defile them with their or- 
dure. The male is seldom found with the female. 
When about to bring forth, she cuts down Herbage, 
bundles it up, and trails it with her feet to the 
bottom of her hole, where she makes a commo** 
