NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



mornings and evenings. During the heat of the 

 day they retire to rest, and sleep under the shade 

 of some soHtary tree on the veld, or in a patch of 

 bush. They appear to sleep very soundly, and their 

 sense of hearing and sight are dull. 



It is often possible to steal quietly up and take 

 a photograph at close quarters as they lie like giant 

 pigs soundly sleeping. 



The Rhinoceros is usually accompanied by the 

 Rhinoceros Bird (Buphaga). These birds feed upon 

 the ticks which infest the skins of their hosts. They 

 also render good service in warning their Rhinoceros 

 friends of the presence of danger by their shrill 

 cries. This animal progresses at a rapid trot, with 

 the head carried low, and the long horn almost 

 parallel with the ground. Although it can, at a 

 trot, outdistance any man on foot, it Is easily over- 

 taken on horseback, hence the reason it falls so easy 

 a prey to the hunters. When a mother Rhino is 

 accompanied by a young calf, it always runs in front 

 of her, and is guided in its course by the tip of her 

 horn, which is gently pressed on the rump as occa- 

 sion demands. In this way she is able to keep it 

 in full view, and guard it at the same time from 

 attack, at least by the larger carnivorous animals, 

 such as the Lion. 



The White Rhinoceros, when feeding, progresses 

 along at a steady walk, cropping the grass as it goes. 

 It drinks during the evening or at night, and is 

 never found at any great distance from water. 



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