THE RATEL AND HONEY-BIRD. 113 
same direction. These it carefully marks, 
and follows in their track, until it has safely 
Iddged them in their nest, which it imme- 
diately commences pillaging.” * 
Our author next recites an account of the 
assistance which the Ratel sometimes receives 
from a little bird, which has been called Cu- 
culus Indicator, and Bee-Cuckoo, ‘* Honey- 
guide;” according to SPARRMAN, Honey- 
bird, Honey-guide; and by the Hottentots, 
Moroc,—an equal guide to the Hottentot and 
colonists; and which, by itself, contributes 
to bring into view, that the Ratel hunts by 
* Perhaps the subjoined and older deseription is 
still more picturesque :—‘‘ As a man placed at the 
mast-head, can most easily descry a sail or land at a 
great distance in the evening, so, probably, this time 
of the day is most convenient for the Ratel to lcok 
out for his food. Towards sun-set he issues from his 
hole. Near this he sits upright, and holds one of his 
paws before his eyes, in order to modify the rays of 
the sun, and, at the same time, to procure a distinct 
view of the object of his pursuit ; and when, in con- 
sequence of peering thus on each side his paw, oppo- 
site to the sun, he sees any Bees fly, he knows that 
they are proceeding straight to their habitation, and 
consequently takes care to keep in the same direc- 
tion, in order to find them.” 
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