ORDER OF CARNIVORA. 
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The Ratels (. Mettivora capensis, F. Cuvier) . — The Ratel 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 hairy ; hind quarters lower than 
the fore, causing 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 will 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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