RATELS. 



81 



small mammals and birds as well as fruits and insects. All the species live iu 

 forests as a rule. 



THE RATELS. 

 Genus Mellivora. 



The ratels or, as they are frequently called, honey-badgers, are distinguished 

 from all the members of the family hitherto noticed by their more badger-like 

 shape, very short tails, and the absence of any external ears. They are aptly 





THE CAPE RATEL ( nat. size). 



compared in gait and appearance by Mr. Blanford to small bears. There are 

 but two living species, of which one is confined to India, and the other to 

 Africa. 



In addition to their short tails and the absence of external ears, the ratels are 

 characterised by their stoutly-built bodies, and short, powerful limbs, of which the 

 front pair are provided with enormous claws. They walk with the greater part 

 of the naked soles of the feet applied to the ground. As regards coloration, they 

 show in a most marked degree the peculiarity to which we have already referred 

 as characterising many members of the family ; that is to say, the under-parts are 

 dark, and the upper-parts lighter. In the present instance, the whole of the 



VOL. II. 6 



