760 THE HYRAX. 
The Kopaopa, or Long-horned White Rhinoceros (LAénoceros Oswelliz) is much rarer 
than either of the preceding species, and is found far in the interior, mostly to the east of 
the Limpopo River. The peculiar manner in which this species carries its horns, makes 
it a very conspicuous animal. In all the other species, the horns are curved, and incline 
rather backward; but in the Kobaoba, the foremost horn is nearly straight, and projects 
forward, so that when the animal is running, the tip of the horn nearly touches the ground. 
Indeed, the extremity of an adult Kobaoba’s horn is generally rubbed down on one side, 
owing to the frequency with which it has come in contact with the earth. The head of 
this and the preceding species is always carried very low, forming a singular contrast to 
the saucy and independent manner in which the borele carries his head. 
The long horn of the Kobaoba sometimes exceeds four feet in length, and as it is 
almost straight, is most valuable for many purposes. The best, toughest, and straightest 
ramrods are manufactured from this horn, and I have seen one of these ramrods that was 
almost four feet long, even after being shaped and trimmed, so that the horn from which 
it was cut must have been still longer. The mother Kobaoba employs this horn for a very 
curious purpose, aS was seen by “Cumming. Whenever the mother and her young are 
abroad, the calf always takes the lead, and in this instance she guided her little one by 
pressing it against the calf’s side. The horn is also used by the Kaffirs to make “knob- 
herries,” or knob-headed sticks, which they can employ as clubs in hand-to-hand combat, or 
can throw with wonderful effect. A party of Kaffirs will often go out in chase of birds, 
armed with nothing but these knob-herries, which they will hurl with such force and 
precision that they generally return home loaded with game. 
The four African species of Rhinoceros are not at all prolific animals, producing only one 
young one at a time, and, as far as is known, a considerable interval occurs between each 
birth. It is not a gregarious, neither does it appear to be a monogamous, animal. It seems, 
however, to find some gratification in the presence of others of its own species, and may be 
seen in little assemblies of eight or ten in number. These assemblies, however, cannot be 
termed flocks or herds, as their members are not under the command of a single leader, nor 
bound together by any common tie, and, when alarmed, each individual makes his escape 
as he best can. The skin is comparatively smooth, and devoid of hair, so that the animal 
bears some resemblance to an overgrown pig. 
ONE of the most curious little animals in existence is the HyRAx, interesting not so 
much from its imposing external appearance, as for its importance in filling up a link in 
the chain of creation. 
About as large as a tolerably sized rabbit, covered with thick, soft fur, inhabiting holes 
in the banks, possessing ieisor-like teeth, and, in fine, being a very rabbit in habits, 
manners, and appearance, it was long classed among the rodents, and placed among the 
rabbits and hares. It has, however, been discovered in later years, that this little rabbit- 
like animal is no rodent at all, but is of one the pachydermata, and that it forms a natural 
transition from the rhinoceros to the hippopotamus. On a close examination of the teeth, 
they are seen to be wonderfully like those of the hippopotamus, their edges being bevelled 
off in a similar manner, and therefore bearing some resemblance to the chisel- edged i incisors 
of the rodents. There are several species of Hyrax, one of which inhabits Northern Africa 
and Syria, while the other two are found in Abyssinia and South Africa. 
The South African Hyrax is termed by the colonists Kure Das, or Rock Raserr, and 
is found in considerable plenty among the mountainous districts of its native land, being 
especially common on the sides of the Table mountain. It is largely eaten by the natives, 
who succeed in killing it in spite of its extreme wariness and activity. Among the 
crevices and fissures in the rock the Hyrax takes up its abode, and may often be seen 
sitting in the warm rays of the sun, or feeding with apparent carelessness on the aromatic 
herbage of the mountain side. It is, however, perfectly secure, in spite of its apparent 
nevligence, for a sentinel is always on guard, ready to warn his companions by a peculiar 
shrill cry of the approach of danger. Sometimes the Hyrax is seen at a considerable 
height, but is often observed near the sea-shore, seated on rocks which are barely above 
high- water mark. 
