NOTES ON RHINOCEROSES IN BURMA. 557 



they had entered, might without due consideration lead to the 

 impression that rhinoceroses are abundant. 



I believe, however, that in the aggregate there is a fair number of 

 animals scattered over the country. So far I am under the impression 

 that R. sumatrensis is the more common. 



During a residence of several years I can only recollect some eight 

 or nine specimens of R. sumatrensis and two of R. sondakus being- 

 shot by European sportsmen. This cannot be said to be a large 

 number if we consider the many Europeans who tour about the country 

 on duty, prospecting, or in search of heavy game. In several instances 

 the specimens of sumatrensis were come on unexpectedly, i.e., the 

 lucky individuals who were on the inarch or in pursuit of other game 

 were unaware that rhino were to be found anywhere in their prox- 

 imity. Some experience of the class of country they are most likely 

 to be found in, leads me to the belief that as far as their pursuit goes, 

 they are likely to enjoy immunity from annoyance, except from a few 

 of the more ardent sportsmen. 



Distribxition. — They are to be met with in certain areas of the hilly 

 tracts in Upper and several of those in Lower Burma. 



Habits. — Both species in this country show a decided preference for 

 hilly tracts and even mountainous country. I have met with tracks of 

 both varieties at considerable elevations, especially in places infrequent- 

 ly visited by men. They appear to be of a restless disposition and at 

 times given to wandering a, distance from their accustomed haunts. In 

 the hot season they are invariably found in hilly or mountainous 

 country, by no means necessarily well wooded, but where shade is 

 sufficient. They rarely range far from the perennial streams in which 

 there are usually numerous pools of cool water and abundant shade. 

 Those streams with rocky and shingly beds are preferred. The feeder 

 streams or gullies are also worth visiting. They are extremely partial to 

 water, and enter the pools during the night and also visit them during 

 the heat of the day. In suitable places there are regular mud baths or 

 wallows, some large and patronized by elephants, etc., and others much 

 smaller. They evidently enjoy rolling in wet mud as much as buffaloes 

 and hogs do. They visit the pools singly or may be found two together, 

 usually a bull and cow. The night, early morning and evening is spent 

 wandering about grazing, etc., and during the day they lie up in shade 

 on the hillsides or on the top of the ridges above the streams. 

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