THE RATEL. 



297 



It is a peculiarly impertinent creature in its demeanor, and has a curious habit of rearing 

 its long neck, and bearing its head in a very snake-like fashion. When it assumes this atti- 

 tude, its bright little black eyes have a curiously pert air, as they look out from under the 

 white, wool-like, hairy covering with which the head is furnished. All its movements are 

 brisk and cheerful, and while running about its cage it continually utters a faint, grasshopper- 

 like chirp. 



The color of the Grison is very peculiar, and is remarkable as being of lighter color on the 

 back than on the under portions of the body. This divergence from the usual rule is very 

 uncommon, and is only seen in one or two animals. The muzzle, the under part of the neck, 

 the abdomen, and legs are of a dullish black color ; while the entire upper surface of the body, 

 from the space between the eyes to the tail, is covered with a pale gray fur, each hair being 

 diversified with black and white. The tinting of this lighter fur is rather variable ; in some 

 individuals it is nearly white, while in others it has a decided tinge of yellow. 



The ears of this species are very small, and the tongue is rough. 



The hairs which give 



HONEY RATEL.— Ratelm capensis. 



the distinctive coloring to the upper parts of the body are longer than those which cover the 

 remaining portions of the body and the limbs. In total length it measures about two feet, the 

 tail being rather more than six inches in length. 



The odor which proceeds from the scent-glands of the Grison is peculiarly disgusting, and 

 offends human nostrils even more than that of the stoat and polecat. 



In the clumsy-looking animal which is called the Ratel, a beautiful adaptation of nature 

 is manifested. Covered from the tip of the nose to the insertion of the claws with thick, 

 coarse, and rough fur, and provided, moreover, with a skin that lies very loosely on the body, 

 the Ratel is marvellously adapted to the peculiar life which it leads. 



Although the Ratel is in all probability indebted for its food to various sources, the diet 

 which it best loves is composed of the combs and young of the honey-bee. So celebrated is 

 the animal for its predilection for this sweet dainty, that it has earned for itself the title of 

 Honey Ratel, or Honey Weasel. The reason for its extremely thick coating of fur is now 

 evident. The animal is necessarily exposed to the attacks of the infuriated bees when it lays 

 siege to their fastnesses, and if it were not defended by a coating which is impenetrable to 

 their stings, it would soon fall a victim to the poisoned weapons of its myriad foes. 



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 



