102 



SOME HOOFED ANIMALS 



in some instances are slightly movable. They are en- 

 veloped in a thick, leathery, armorlike skin, arranged in 

 folds, having a very artificial appearance. Few animals 

 possess so effective a weapon, and few are so brutish and 

 vindictive. When alarmed, the rhinoceros usually lowers 

 its head and charges ; and if the enemy stands, it is ripped 

 and torn by an upward stroke of the daggerlike horn that 

 is usually fatal. 



Fig. 84. — The Indian Rhinoceros. 



The Indian rhinoceros (Fig. 84) is of gigantic stature, 

 weighing three or more tons and being ten feet in length. 

 It has one powerful horn often three feet in length. A 

 Sumatran species has no horn. The African species 

 (Fig. 85) is provided with two horns, one very long and 

 sharp, and another shorter. The huge elephant is no 

 match for this ugly brute, which does not know the mean- 

 ing of fear. The feet of these animals are provided with 

 pads, the three toes with small hoofs. They are found 

 in dense forests or swampy places. Hunters who have 

 stolen upon them have seen the birds called rhinoceros 



