INDIAN JUIINOCEKOS. 



those which terminate the plates of wliale-bone, can be stripped upwards for some 

 length, and if the substance of the horn be cut across, it will be seen to be com- 

 posed of a vast number of hairy filaments lying side l)y side. 



The skin of the Rhinoceros is of very great thickness and strength, bidding 

 defiance to ordinary bullets, and forcing the hunter to provide himself with balls 

 which have been hardened with tin or solder. The extreme strength of the skin 

 is well known both to the Asiatic and African natives, who manufacture it into 

 shields and set a high value on these weapons of defence. 



All the species of Rhinoceros are very tetchy in their temper, and liable to 

 flash out into anger without any provocation whatever. During these fits of rage, 

 they are dangerous neighbours, and are apt to attack any moving object that may 

 be within their reach. In one well-known instance, where a Rhinoceros made a 

 sudden dash upon a number of picketed hoi-ses, and killed many of them by the 

 strokes of his horn, the animal had probably been irritated by some unknown 

 cause, and wreaked his vengeance on the nearest victims. 



In every species of Rhinoceros the sight appeai-s to be rather imperfect, the 

 animal being unable to see objects which are exactly in its front. The scent and 

 hearing, however, arc very acute, and seem to warn tlie animal of the approach of 

 danger. 



The Asiatic species of Rhinoceros are remarkable for the heavy folds into which 

 the skin is gathered, ;uul which hang ma.ssively over the shoultlei-s, throat, ilanks, 

 and hind quarters. Upon the abdomen the skin is comparatively soft, and can 

 be pierced Ijy a spear which would lie harmlessly repelled from the thick folds of 

 hide upon the upper portions of the body. In the Inuian Ruinoceros this 

 weight of hide is especially conspicuous, the skin forming great flaps that can be 

 easily lifted up by the hand. In a tamed state the Rhinoceros is pleased to be 

 caressed on the softer skin mider the thick hide, and in tlie wild state it suliei-s 

 sadly from the parasitic insects that creep beneath the flaps, and lead the poor 

 animal a miserable life, until they are stifled in the muddy compost with which 

 the Rhinoceros loves to envelop its body. 



The Rhinoceros is a good acpiatic, and will voluntarily swim for considerable 

 distances. It is very fond of hmiting tlie river-banks aiul wallowing in the nnul, 

 so as to case itself with a thick coat of that substance, in order to shield itself 

 from the mosquitoes and other stinging insects which cluster about the tender 

 places, and drive the animal, thick-skinned though it may be, half mad with 

 their constant and painful bites. 



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