The BADGER.
The Badger, though a native of England, is an animal not very well known; the ſhyneſs of his temper, and ſtrong propenſity to ſleep, which ſoftens the call of appetite, makes his appearance in ſearch of prey leſs neceſſary and frequent; the night alſo is the ſeaſon for his ſearch; when, whether vegetable productions are ſatisfactory, is not certain. The depredations in rabbit-warrens, and on young lambs, are frequently laid to the charge of the Badger; on the other hand, the Badger has little or no ſpeed, and being much inclined to ſleep, will certainly grow fat on leſs nouriſhment than more active quadrupeds.
The Badger digs a habitation in the earth with conſiderable dexterity; the fore paws being armed with long and ſtrong nails, which work with great expedition: the paſſage is of a winding form, leading to ſeveral apartments, but only one entrance; a bed of ſoft hay and graſs is provided to induce ſleep, and ſecure a comfortable repoſe. This habitation is ſo enviable, that the Fox, whoſe abilities for burrowing in the ground are inferior to the Badger’s, frequently ejects the lawful tenant by laying his fœtid excrement at the mouth of the hole; the Badger being ſo cleanly an animal, that the calls of Nature are never obeyed within the apartment.
The female brings three or four cubs in ſummer, which are ſuckled for ſome time, and afterwards are provided with ſuch food as her abilities or induſtry can procure. Badgers are frequently eaten, and are ſaid to make good bacon.
The hair of the Badger is very long, coarſe and rough, which gives it a very uncouth and clumſy appearance, and diſguiſes the true ſhape of the limbs; each hair is tinged with three different colours; the roots a dirty white, the middle black, the extremity aſh colour or grey, which has produced the well-known ſaying, "as grey as a Badger." The cheſt and belly are very dark, nearly black; a ſtripe of the ſame alſo extends from the eye to the ear.
The Badger is common to moſt northern countries, and are found in ſome warmer ones: the Chineſe are very fond of their fleſh, which is often an article in their butchers ſhops; are hunted by night for the ſake of the ſkin; when attacked by the dogs, defend themſelves with great courage, and bite very ſeverely; are about two feet and a half long, tail about nine inches; have ſmall eyes, and ſhort round ears.
