THE RATEL. 
297 
It is a peculiarly impertinent creature in its demeanor, and has a curious liabit 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 .— Hatelus 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 
