ELEPHANT, TAPIR, HVRAX, RHINOCEROS 159 



feet. The gradual steps by which this transformation has been brought about we can trace 

 through certain t'ossil forms, of which we can say little here. 



Amongst these fossils occur remains of an animal bearing a very strong resemblance to the 

 living tapir, but which, strangely enough, is not really so closely related thereto as to the horses. 

 It does not, however, Stand in the direct line of descent of these latter, but must be regarded as 

 representing a collateral branch thereof. The occurrence of this distinct tapir-like animal is of 

 great scientific interest. 



The short, stout legs and spreading toes of the living tapirs, rhinoceroses, and ancestral 

 horse are admirably adapted for plodding deliberately over soft and yielding ground, such as is 

 afforded by reed-beds and banks of rivers, or the shady depths of forests. Speed in such 

 surroundings is not necessary, food in plenty being always at hand, and escape from enemies 

 being sought by concealment in thick herbage rather than flight. With a migration to drier 

 and higher plains, the spreading foot has undergone a change. The short legs and numerous 

 toes have given place to long ones, and of the several toes growth has taken place in one only — 

 the third ; whilst the others have slowly dwindled, till eventually only traces of the second and 

 fourth remain, as in the modern horse. Thus has a firmer support over hard, unyielding ground 

 been brought about, and great speed gained. The animals with this type of foot (in which the 

 third is the largest toe) are known as the Odd-toed Hoofed Animals. The pigs, sheep, deer, and 

 oxen have gained an equally 

 efficient foot, yet retaining four 

 toes. Of these, the third and 

 fourth are equal in size, and 

 serve as a support to the body, 

 whilst the second and fifth 

 have now become function- 

 less, and do not reach the 

 ground. This type of foot 

 characterises that group of the 

 hoofed animals known as the 

 Even-toed. 



The Hvrax. 

 This is one of the most 

 remarkable of living mam- 

 mals, and one of the greatest 

 puzzles to zoologists, having no 

 near living relatives. Though 

 bearing some resemblance to 

 an earless rabbit, it really 

 belongs to the hoofed 

 animals, and amongst them 

 comes perhaps somewhat 

 nearer the rhinoceros than 

 to any other animal. It is 

 the Coney of the Hible. It 

 inhabits the rocky districts of 

 Syria and parts of Africa. It 

 is a vegetable-feeder, and very 

 wary. About a dozen species 

 are known. 



TAPIR 



Molt if G. IV. IVilstn & Co., Lid.] 



CO M M N AMERICAN 



This tapir inhabit! tropical America. It is a nocturnal animal, frequenting the depths or 

 shady forests in the neighbourhood of neater, to -which it frequently resorts for the purpose of 

 bathing, or as a refuge from pursuit 



