THE AMERICAN TAPIR. 



55 



'U/iyil l- 



22*.^American Tapir. 



merged for many minutes, rise to the surface for breath, 

 and phmge again. When hunted or wounded, it always, 

 if possible, makes for the water, and in its nightly 

 wanderings will traverse rivers and lakes in search of 

 food, or for pleasure. The female is very attentive to 

 her young one, leading it about on the land, and accus- 

 toming it at an early period to enter the water, where it 

 plunges and plays before its parent, who seems to act as 

 its instructress. The male takes no share in this work, 

 and does not constantly associate with the female. 



In its disposition the tapir is peaceful and quiet, and, 

 unless hard pressed, never attempts to attack either man 

 or beast ; when, however, the hunter's dogs surround it, 

 it defends itself very vigorously with its teeth, inflicting 

 terrible wounds. We have witnessed those in confine- 

 ment in the gardens of the Zool. Soc. occasionally break. 



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