46 POPULAR SCRIPTURE ZOOLOGY.

be more esteemed in colder climates. To the Kamtschat-
kadales it is most valuable in various ways. They make of
it beds, coverlets, caps, gloves, and collars for their sledge-
dogs, also soles for their shoes, which have the advantage of
not slipping ; the flesh is reckoned a great dainty, and they
usually invite friends to partake; window-panes are made
of the intestines, which are as clear and transparent as
Muscovy glass. A light black bear-skin is one of the most
costly articles in the winter wardrobe of a gentleman in
Russia, and the ladies wear very large bear muffs, half-con-
cealing their elegant shape.

Metzs.—The Badger.

This animal has very short nails, the toes very much
covered by skin, and a pouch from which issues a strong
and fetid smell. The nails are powerful and formed for
digging; the body thick, and legs short. The colour is
generally brownish-grey, with a black band on each side of
the head. Badgers are easily tamed when treated with
kindness, becoming playful and familiar. They burrow in
the ground, the entrance to their habitation being usually
placed in concealment, under tangled herbage or shrubs.

There are only two species, Meles vulgaris, the common
badger, and Meles Labradorica, the American badger. The