RARE AND UNFAMILIAR ANIMALS 



•95 



and bushy tail. It is a large beast, attaining a length of four feet 

 exclusive of the tail. 



The coloration is ash-grey to black, whilst, as Fig. 232 well 

 shows, there is a distinct black stripe across the shoulders edged 

 with white. Visitors to the Zoo and elsewhere should note, when 

 one of these animals is on view, the curious manner in which it 

 walks, the movements being very cumbersome as the beast is unable 

 to tread on the soles of the fore-feet. 



Feeding as it does almost exclusively upon termites, the Ant- 

 Eater must perform a great deal of good, as these insects are very 

 injurious, possessing strong jaws which are capable of much 

 destruction. The animal under review, however, is well calculated 

 to make short work of a termite's nest, even although these remark- 

 able citadels are strongly built and often of huge dimensions. 

 Having laid bare the homestead, the Ant-Eater gets to work by 

 means of its long tongue and soon licks up the inhabitants of the 

 stronghold. 



Like the Badger, this beast is quite inoffensive, and unless 

 attacked will not deign to interfere with any one. If occasion does 

 arise for it to defend its body, then the strong arms come into use 

 for holding its adversary, and the claws do the rest. 



Possessed of remarkable tenacity, this creature is not easily 

 despatched, for in addition to the stiff and bristly hairs which clothe 

 the body, there is a tough skin underneath which it is not easy to 

 penetrate. 



It is distinctly a rare animal, and well entitled to inclusion in 

 this section of our work. Nocturnal in habits, it minds its own 

 business, as it were, like our old friend Brock already dealt with in 

 a previous chapter, and during the daytime remains concealed 

 among herbage. The mother Ant-Eater is very solicitous for the 

 welfare of her one baby. This little one she carries about with her 

 on her back, and that she is fond of it, and parts with it in regret, 

 is proved by the fact that it is not until another arrival is almost 

 due that she leaves her reared youngster to look after itself. 



RATEL, OR HONEY BADGER.— Although relegated to a different 

 genus, the Ratels, or Honey Badgers, as they are also known 

 (Fig. 233), are closely allied to the Common Badger which we met 

 with on a previous expedition. The particular specimen figured in 

 the illustration is famous in the zig-zag at the London Zoo as "These 

 animals bite ! " As Fig. 233 clearly portrays, the Honey Badger is 



