THE RHINASTER, OR BORELE. 610 



kind of dread, as an adult male has been seen to fly in terror before the attack of one of the 

 native wild dogs. The head of this species is peculiarly long, a characteristic which is observ- 

 able in the skull as well as in the living animal. 



OF African Rhinoceroses four species are clearly ascertained, and it is very probable that 

 others may yet be in existence. Two of the known species are black, and the other two 

 white ; the animals differing from each other not only in color, but in form, dimensions, habits, 

 and disposition. The commonest of the African species is the BORELE, RHINASTER, or LITTLE 

 BLACK RHINOCEROS, of Southern Africa ; an animal which may be easily distinguished from 

 its relations by the shape of the horns and the upper lip. In the Borele the foremost horn is 

 of considerable length, and bent rather backward, while the second horn is short, conical, and 

 much resembles the weapon of the Indian animal. The head is rather rounded, and the pointed 

 upper lip overlaps the lower, and is capable of considerable extension. 



The Borele is a very fierce and dangerous animal, and is more feared by the natives than 

 even the lion. Although so clumsy in shape and aspect, it is really a quick and active creature, 

 darting about with lightning speed, and testing the powers of a good horse to escape from its 

 charge. Like many other wild animals, it becomes furiously savage when wounded, but it 

 will sometimes attack a passenger without the least provocation. On one occasion an angry 

 Rhinoceros came charging down upon a wagon, and struck his horn into the bottom plank 

 with such force as to send the wagon forward for several paces, although it was sticking in 

 deep sand. He then left the wagon, and directed his attack upon the fire, knocking the 

 burning wood in every direction, and upsetting the pot which had been placed on the fire. He 

 then continued his wild career in spite of the attempts of a native who flung his spear at him, 

 but without the least effect, as the iron point bent against the strong hide. 



The skin of this animal does not fall in heavy folds, like that of the Asiatic species, but is 

 nevertheless extremely thick and hard, and will resist an ordinary leaden bullet, unless it be 

 fired from a small distance. The skin is employed largely in the manufacture of whips, or 

 jamboks, and is prepared in a rather curious manner. AVhen the hide is removed from the 

 animal it is cut into strips of, suitable breadth and laid on the ground. These strips are then 

 hammered for some time in order to condense the substance of the skin, and when they are dry 

 are carefully rounded with a knife and polished with sand-paper. One of these whips will 

 continue serviceable for several years. The horn of the Borele, from its comparatively small 

 dimensions, is not so valuable as that of the other species, but is still employed in the manu- 

 facture of drinking-cups and sword-handles. Its value is about half that of ivory. 



The food of the Black Rhinoceros, whether the Borele or the keitloa, is composed of roots, 

 which the animal ploughs out of the ground with its horn, and of the young branches and 

 shoots of the wait-a-bit thorn. It is rather remarkable that the black species is poisoned by 

 one of the Euphorbiacese, which is eaten with impunity by the two white animals. 



When wounded, the Black Rhinoceros is a truly fearful opponent, and it is generally 

 considered very unsafe to fire at the animal unless the hunter is mounted on a good horse or 

 provided with an accessible place of refuge. An old experienced hunter said that he would 

 rather face fifty lions than one wounded Borele ; but Mr. Oswell, the well-known African 

 sportsman, always preferred to shoot the Rhinoceros on foot. The best place to aim is just 

 behind the shoulder, as, if the lungs are wounded, the animal very soon dies. There is but 

 little blood externally, as the thick loose skin covers the bullet-hole, and prevents any outward 

 effusion. When mortally wounded the Rhinoceros generally drops on its knees. 



It is at all times a rather savage beast, and is apt to quarrel with its own kind. Mr. 

 Andersson mentions a curioxis battle of which he was an eye-witness, where four of these animals 

 engaged furiously with each other. Two of them he contrived to shoot, and found that one 

 was absolutely unfit for food, being covered with festering wounds which had been received in 

 former encounters. The flesh of this animal is tolerably good, but that of the black species is 

 rather tough, and possesses a bitter and unpleasant flavor, in consequence of the food on 

 which the animal lives. The white species feeds almost exclusively on grass, and its flesh is 

 remarkably good and tender. The Borele is a nocturnal animal, rousing himself from sleep 



