

RkT^L.—Memvora Uatel 



The Honey-Ratel is celebrated from its propensity to rob the nest of the 

 wild bees of their sweet contents, and is a native of Africa, where it is tolerably 

 common. The thick, heavy fur with which the body is covered, forms an 

 excellent defence against the stings of the bees, as they come from their nest and 

 attack the enemy that is assaulting their home. 



In every way, the Ratel is well adapted to the circumstances in which it is 

 placed. Not being a swift animal, it cannot escape from foes by its speed ; but 

 if it can gain but a few minutes' respite, it can sink itself into the ground by the 

 vigorous action of its powerful paws, and thus can avoid the attacks of almost 

 any antagonist. 



During the daytime, the Ratel remains in its bmTow ; but as evening begins 

 to draw near, it emerges from its place of repose, and sets off on its bee-hunting 

 expeditions. As the animal is unable to climb trees, a bee's nest that is made 

 in a holloAv tree-limb is safe from its attacks. But the greater number of wild 

 bees make their nests in the deserted mansions of the termite, or the forsaken 

 burrows of various animals. It is said that the Ratel finds its way towards 

 the bees' nests by watching the direction in which the insects return towards 

 their homes. 



The Indian Ratel is said to be an extremely voracious animal, prowling about 

 the vicinity of human habitations, and not unfrequently paying a visit to the 

 burial-grounds in search of newly interred corpses. 



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