HONEY-GUIDE CUCKOW. 
prompts it to seek it's food in a singular man- 
ner, is truly admirable. Not only the Dutch 
and Hottentots, but likewise a species of qua- 
druped which the Dutch name a Ratel — pro- 
bably, a new species of Badger — are frequently 
conducted to wild Bee-hives by this bird; 
which, as it were, pilots them to the very spot. 
The honey being it's favourite food, it's own 
interest prompts it to be instrumental in rob- 
bing the hive, as some scraps are com m only 
left for it's support. The morning and even- 
ing are it's times of feeding ; and it is then 
heard calling, in a shrill tone, " Cherr ! Cherr ! " 
which the honey-hunters carefully attend to as 
the summons to the chace. From time ta 
time, they answer with a soft whistle ; which 
the bird hearing, always continues it's note-. 
As soon as they are in sight of each other, the 
bird gradually flutters towards the place where 
the hive is situated; continually repeating it's 
former call of " Cherr! Cherr!" Nay, if it 
should happen to have gained a considerable 
way before the men — who may easily be hin- 
dered in the pursoit-by bushes, rivers, and the 
like — it returns to them again, and redoubles 
it's note,, as if to reproach them with their in- 
activity. 
