THE ASIATIC RHINOCEROSES 



1055 



Like tapirs, the Indian rhinoceros is fond of a mud path. Although there are many 

 stories extant as to its ferocity, and more especially its enmity to the elephant, it 

 appears that this animal is generally quiet and harmless. Even when wounded, 

 according to Mr. Blanford, it is but seldom that it charges home; but when it does 

 attack, the sharp lower tusks are used much after the same manner as those of a 

 wild boar. The only sound that this rhinoceros utters is a peculiar grunt, which is 

 repeated at frequent intervals during excitement. The usual gait of this rhinoceros 

 is a long, swinging trot, but when disturbed, it can break into an awkward but very 

 rapid gallop. Only a single calf is produced at a birth, but there is some uncertainty 

 as to the length of the period of gestation, an old writer stating that it is nine months, 

 while a more recent authority affirms that it is nearly or quite double as long. 

 Since rhinoceroses, so far as we are aware, have not bred in captivity in Europe, the 

 point is one not likely to be soon cleared up. The Indian rhinoceros thrives well in 

 confinement, and frequently lives in that state for a long period. One specimen ac- 



GREAT INDIAN RHINOCEROS. 



quired by the London Zoological Gardens in 1834 lived till 1849, while a second, 

 purchased in 1850, died in 1874, and a third, presented in 1864, was still flourishing 

 in 1894. Mr. Blanford states that he has heard of captive specimens living fifty or 

 sixty years, and Mr. Brian Hodgson was of opinion that the natural term of this 

 animal's life is upward of a century. 



From the immense thickness and apparent toughness of its enormous folds, it 

 was long considered that the hide of the Indian rhinoceros was bullet proof, and 

 that the only places where the animal was vulnerable were the joints of the armor. 

 General Kinloch relates an amusing story of a soldier in India, who had heard of 

 this legend, firing point-blank at a tame rhinoceros which had been captured by his 

 regiment during the Mutiny, in order to obtain ocular proof of its truth. Needless 

 to say, as the shot was well aimed, the unfortunate animal fell dead, which meant 

 a considerable loss to the regimental prize fund. And we may mention here that 

 the Indian rhinoceros, like all its kindred, when shot sinks down in its tracks, and 

 lies as if asleep, instead of falling over on its side like most other Mammals. 



