150 NEIGHBORS WITH CLAWS AND HOOFS. 



eis, something between the trunk of an elephant and the 

 snout of a hog. It is omnivorous, but it feeds principally 



The Tapir. 



upon the tender leaves and stalks of plants coming out 

 at night, and sleeping during the greater part of the day. 

 In form and structure it is like the hog, and, also like 

 that animal, it delights to wallow in the mud. It has 

 formidable teeth for defense, great powers of swimming, 

 and, with its head as a wedge, it can easily penetrate 

 dense jungles, its thick hide protecting it from injury. 

 Prepared in this way for fight or flight, it meets but few 

 enemies from which it can not escape. In disposition the 

 tapir is like the elephant, and is easily tamed. 



