FAMILY MUSTELID^E ; SKUNK, RATEL, BADGER. 



217 



glandular pouches ; which neither man nor dog can endure. This 

 fluid it has the power of ejecting upon its pursuers, when hard 

 pressed ; and it serves as a most complete means of defence, a 

 single drop being enough to produce nausea, and a sense of suffo- 

 cation. Of this genus, four or five species are known ; which 

 are all American. In the preceding animals, the walk is slightly 

 plantigrade ; and it is still more so in the Ratel, of which one 

 species inhabits the Cape of Good Hope, whilst another is a 

 native of India. This a thick-set clumsy animal, nearly resem- 

 bling the Badger in aspect, as well as in dentition. The Cape 

 Ratel is celebrated for the destruction it makes among the nests 

 of the wild-bee, to the honey of which it is very partial ; and in 

 the discovery of these nests it is said to be guided by the actions 

 and voice of a bird, called the Honey-guide. The Badger^ 



FIG. 107- COMMON BADGER. 



which is almost completely plantigrade in its walk, presents a 

 strong resemblance to some of the Ursidse in its general 

 aspect ; but is separated from that family by an important 

 distinction. All the Bears and their allies, have at least 

 two tuberculated molars ; whilst the Badger has but one. 

 This, however, is of very large size in the upper jaw, and is 

 adapted for the mastication of vegetable aliment. Its food 



