A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE BADGER. (Ursus Meks.) 
THIS animal inhabits most parts of the world. The length 
of the body is about two feet six inches from the nose to 
the insertion of the tail, which is short, and black like the 
throat, breast, and belly ; the hair of the other part of the 
body is long and rough, of a yellowish white at the roots, 
black in the middle, and greyish at the point : the toes 
are much enveloped in the skin, and the long claws of the 
fore feet enable the animal to dig with great effect : under 
the tail there is a receptacle, in which is secreted a white 
fetid substance, that constantly exudes through the orifice, 
and thus gives the body a most unpleasant smell. Being 
a solitary animal, it digs a hole for itself, at the bottom of 
which it remains in perfect security ; it feeds upon young 
rabbits, birds and their eggs, aud honey. The cruel sport 
of Badger hunting with dogs is still practised ; and the 
motions of the animal when attacked are so quick, that a 
dog is often desperately wounded in the first assault. 
The Badger, when nearly overpowered, falls upon his 
back, combats with desperate resolution, and seldom dies 
unrevenged of his enemies. It is indeed not easy to over- 
come him ; his skin is so thick that it resists the impres- 
sion of the teeth, and so loose, that even when a doe has 
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caught hold of it, the Badger is enabled to turn round easily 
and bite his assailants in the most tender parts. The 
female has generally three or four young ones at a time. 
