SINGLE-HORNED RHINOCEROS. 17 



Rhinoceros, which they are not able to oppose, without 

 danger of having their bowels torn out by his horn. 

 The Rhinoceros feeds on vegetables, and on the tender 

 branches of shrubs. These he seizes by means of his 

 upper lip, which is capable of being extended to a great 

 length, and, in many respects, answers the same purposes 

 as the trunk or proboscis of the elephant. An animal of 

 this species, which, in the year 1812, was kept in the 

 exhibition- rooms at Exeter 'Change, London, was fed, 

 chiefly, on carrots and greens, which he invariably seized 

 with his lip, in the manner above mentioned. He was 

 sufficiently tractable and docile to obey the commands 

 of the keeper, and would permit the visitors to put their 

 hands upon him, without appearing to be disturbed by 

 the intrusion. 



In a wild state, in their native countries, of Africa, 

 India, Sumatra, and Ceylon, these animals live in the most 

 cool and sequestered places, chiefly in morassy situations 

 and shady forests. Their sight is said to be somewhat 

 dull, but their hearing is peculiarly acute. Like the hog, 

 they delight in wallowing in the mire, and covering their 

 bodies with mud. They produce but one young one at 

 a birth. The hide of the Rhinoceros is capable of being 

 made into an extremely strong and valuable kind of 

 leather. 



The height of this animal is generally from ten to 

 twelve feet. The skin is blackish, and naked, except 

 the ears and tail. It is divided by several transverse 

 plaits : of these, the first is behind the head ; the second 

 on the shoulders; the third from the back down the 

 loins, before the thighs, and along the belly ; and the 

 fourth across the thighs. It is covered over with a kind 

 of tubercles or warts. Between the folds, and under the 

 belly, the skin is soft, and of a rose colour. The horn 



