THE HONEY RATEL 
The ratel, like its relatives the weasels, does not 
chase down its living prey by speed. It progresses 
at a rapid swinging trot, but can easily be overtaken 
by an average dog. I have on several occasions seen 
them run down on the veld by natives. In broken 
country, however, they are impossible to follow. 
Coming upon a hare or small antelope, the ratel 
starts off on its trail, with nose within an inch or two 
of the ground, and tail elevated, but never en- 
deavours to run down the intended prey by speed. 
It is untiring. Of all animals known to me the ratel 
has the most energy, endurance, and perseverance. 
Once upon the track of an animal there is little 
hope of ultimate escape for the creature, for, 
however far it may travel, the ratel will follow. 
Nothing in the way of a difficulty seems to dis- 
courage it. No animal which it is able to over- 
power is safe from it. The Springhare, Meerkat, 
Rat, Ground Squirrel, and other burrowing creatures 
attempt to find sanctuary in their underground re- 
treats, but the ratel is in no way disconcerted. It 
instantly sets itself the task of digging them out. 
Its strength and endurance are so phenomenal 
that it rarely fails to reach the terrified occupant 
of the burrow. However many animals there may 
be in a burrow, it spares none. It takes the 
keenest delight in killing. Even the formidable 
porcupine, covered with his armament of sharp 
quills, falls a victim to the ratel, for its hide is so 
tough, and it attacks the animal so skilfully, that 
VOL. II. 145 10 
