viii PREFACE 
For deciding some knotty points in the natural 
history of the badger, I am indebted to an excellent 
article on the animal by Mr. Douglas English. The 
rest of my information is entirely derived from 
personal observation, or from that of gamekeepers, 
'earthstoppers,' huntsmen and others, whose calling 
has brought them into close contact with wild 
animals. To all these my thanks are due. 
M. D. HAVILAND. 
COURTOWN HARBOUR, 
Co. WEXFORD. 
