[Illustration:
THE BADGER.
]
This animal is a native of Europe, but is known to live in warm
countries. It is found, without any variety, in Spain, France, Italy,
Germany, Britain, Poland, and Sweden. The usual length of the Badger is
somewhat above two feet, and the tail is about six inches long; its eyes
are small, and are placed in a black stripe which begins behind the
ears, and runs towards the nose; the throat and legs are black; the
back, sides, and tail, are of a dirty grey, mixed with black; the legs
and feet are very short, strong, and thick; each foot has five toes;
those on the fore feet are armed with strong claws, well adapted for
digging.
Although furnished with powerful weapons of offence, and having besides
strength to use them with great effect, it is very harmless and
inoffensive; and unless attacked, employs them only for its support. The
Badger retires to the most secret places, where it digs its hole, and
forms its dwelling under ground. Its food consists chiefly of roots,
fruits, grass, insects, and frogs. Few creatures defend themselves
better, or bite with greater keenness, than the Badger. On that account
it has been often baited with dogs trained for the purpose; but,
happily, little is now heard of this very cruel sport. The Badger is a
very sleepy animal. It keeps its hole during the day, and feeds only in
the night.
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