OEDEE OP OAENIVOEA. 337 



The Ratels {MeUirora capemis, F. Cuvier) . — The Hatel bears much, 

 resemblance to the Badger ; it has the same thick-set shape, and 

 awkward gait ; a similar arrangement in the colouring of the 

 coat, and instinct for digging ; but its muzzle is shorter in 

 proportion, while its size is greater, for it measures about a 

 yard in length. It is very fond of honey, and employs the 

 greater part of its time in seeking this favourite diet. Its 

 skin, which is covered with thick and coarse hair, is thus 

 defended against the sting of insects. It is found in several 

 parts of Africa, especially at the Cape of Good Hope. 



The Hyena Family. — In this family are classed certain 

 animals of considerable size and highly Carnivorous tastes, which 

 are digitigrade in their tread ; these are the Hyenas proper, and 

 the Proteles, or Aard Wolves. 



The Hyena Genus. — The chief characteristics of the animals of 

 this genus are — stout and strong teeth, better fitted for grinding 

 than cutting; very powerful jaws, which are able to lift easily 

 a prey of enormous weight ; head large, and terminated by a 

 blunt muzzle ; repulsive scowling visage ; tongue rough, like that 

 of the Cat tribe; ears large, and almost bare; coat rather thick, 

 and increasing to a kind of flowing mane along the ridge of the 

 spine ; tail moderately long and hairj^ ; hind quarters lower than 

 the fore, caiising an obliquity and shambling in their gait ; feet 

 tetradactylous ; claws short and stout, more useful for digging 

 than tearing a prey. 



The Hyena is met with in all parts of Africa, and in a large 

 portion of Asia. It dwells in caverns, from which it emerges at 

 evening to seek its food. 



Hyenas are not, however, the ferocious beasts which the popular 

 imagination delights to picture them. They never attack Man, 

 except in cases of absolute necessity. In fact, they prefer animal 

 matter in a state of putrefaction. They frequent burying-grounds, . 

 where they devour the dead. They wiU even enter villages to 

 consume animal remains thrown away as unfit for the table, 

 whether flesh or bones, for their voracity is only equalled by 

 their powers of digestion. 



These unclean habits, and the repeated violations of graves, 

 have caused the Hyena to be regarded as an object of aversion 



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