-?92. 



the rhinoceros. 



47 



% 



THE RHINOCEROS 



Is, next to the elephant, the largest terrestrial 

 animal now known. Its body, many naturalists 

 have supposed, is equal to that of the elephant in 

 bulk, but its legs being fhorter, it is not so tall as 

 that noble animal. 



TJie length of the rhinoceros from the muzzle 

 to the insertion of the tail, is usually about 

 twelve feet, and the circumference of its body 

 nearly equal to its length. Its belly is large, and 

 hangs near the ground ; its legs fhort, round, and 

 very strong ; its hoofs are divided into three 

 parts, each pointing forward. The head of this 

 animal is large ; its ears long and erect ; and its 

 eyes small, sunk, and without vivacity : The up- 

 per lip is long, and overhangs the lower, and is 

 capable of great extension ; it is so pliable that 

 the rhinoceros can move it from side to side, twist 

 it round like a stick, collect its food, or seize 

 with it any thing it would carry to its mouth. ' 



