THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 759 
THE common Waite Rurmoceros (Lhinoceros Stmus) is considerably larger than the 
two preceding animals, and together with the kobaoba, or long-horned white Rhinoceros, 
is remarkable for its square muzzle and elongated head. The foremost horn of this animal 
is of very considerable length, attaining a measurement of more than three feet when fully 
grown. The second horn is short and conical, like that of the borele. Fortunately for the 
human inhabitants of the regions where the White Rhinoceros dwells, its temper is 
remarkably quiet, and devoid of that restless irritability and sudden access of rage which 
is so distinguishing a quality of the two black species. Even when wounded it seldom turns 
upon its ant agonist, but contents itself with endeav ouring to make its escape. Sometimes, 
however, probably when it has its young to protect, it will assume the offensive, and is 
then even more to be dreaded than its black relatives. The following aneedote, which 
was related by Mr. Oswell, the hero of the tale, to Mr. Andersson, affords an instance of 
this rare display of combativeness :— 
“Once as I was returning from an elephant chase, I observed ahuge White Rhinoceros 
a short distance ahead. I was riding a most excellent hunter—the best and fleetest steed 
that I ever possessed during my shooting excursions in Africa—at the time ; but it was a 
rule with me never to pursue a ht Rincon on horseback, and simply bee ese this animal 
is so much more easily approached and killed on foot. On this occasion, howeyer, it 
seemed as if fate had interfered. 
Turning to my after-rider, I called out: ‘By heaven! that fellow has got a fine 
horn! I will have a shot at him?’ With that, I ‘clapped spurs to my horse, who soon 
brought me alongside the huge beast, and the next instant I lodged a ball in his body, 
but, as it turned out, not with deadly effect. On receiving my shot, the Rhinoceros, 
to my great surprise, instead of seeking safety in flight, as is the habit of this generally 
inoffensive animal, suddenly stopped short, then turned sharply round, and, having eyed 
me most curiously for a second or two, walked slowly towards me. I never dreamt of 
danger. Ney ertheless, I instinctively turned my horse’s head aw ay: but, strange to say, 
this creature, usually so docile and gentle—which the slightest touch of the reins would 
be sufficient to euide—now absolutely refused to give me his head. When at last he did 
so, it was too late ; for, notw ithstanding the R hinoceros had only been walking, the distance 
between us was so inc onsiderable, that. by this time I clearly saw contact was unavoidable. 
Tndeed, in another moment I observed the brute bend low his head, and, with a thrust 
upwards, strike his horn into the ribs of the horse with such force as to penetrate to the 
very saddle on the opposite side, where I felt its sharp point against my leg. 
The violence of the blow was so tremendous as to cause the horse to make a complete 
somersault in the air, coming heavily down on its back. With regard to myself, I was, 
as a matter of course, viole ntly precipitated to the ground. Whilst thus prostrated, I 
actually saw the horn of the infuriated beast alongside of me; but, seemingly satisfied 
with his revenge, without attempting to do farther mishief, he started off at a canter from 
the scene of action. My after-rider having by this time come up, I rushed upon him, and 
almost pulling him off his horse, leapt into the saddle; and, without a hat, and my face 
streaming with blood, was quickly in pursuit of the retreating beast, which I soon had the 
satisfaction to see stretched lifeless at my feet.” 
THE flesh of the Mucuuco, or MonoonHoo, as the White Rhinoceros is called by the 
natives, is apt to be rather tough, but is of good flavour. The best portions are those which 
are cut from the upper part of the shoulder and from the ribs, where the fat and the lean 
parts are regularly striped to the depth of two inches. If a large portion of the meat is 
to be cooked at one time, the flesh is generally baked in the cavity of a forsaken ant-hill, 
which is converted into an extempore oven for the occasion ; but if a single hunter should 
need only to assuage his own hunger, he cuts a series of slice -s from the ribs, and dresses 
them at his fire. The hide of the “Monochoo is enoimously thick, and gives a novice no 
little trouble to get it from the body, as it is as hard as a board, and nearly as stiff, *An 
adept, however, will skin the animal as quickly and easily as if it were a sheep. 
