PACHYDERM ATA : RHJ(>C?ERID,E. 89 



ily comprises very thick and nalSfed^ekinned Pachyderms, 

 which are distinguished from ElepS^ftldae by the absence 

 of a proboscis, although the nose is much developed, by 

 the existence of small canines instead of enormous tusks, 

 and by incisors in both jaws. The feet are three- or four- 

 toed, hoofs of unequal size, limbs short, body, neck, and 

 head more or less elongated. 



The Genus Rhinoceros comprises the largest of all land 

 animals except the elephant. They are huge, bulky ani- 

 mals on short, stout legs, supported by broad three-toed 

 feet, and the whole body is covered with an exceedingly 

 tough hide, which appears in several species in large 

 plaits or folds. From the upper surface of the muzzle, 

 where the bones are very thick and strong and somewhat 

 arched, there rises a horn composed of a solid mass of 

 horny fibres. These animals inhabit Africa, Asia, and 

 the Asiatic Archipelago. Seven species have been de- 

 scribed. They are stupid and ferocious, frequent wet 

 places, and feed upon herbs and tender branches. 



The Indian Rhinoceros, R. indicus, Cuv., is about five 

 feet high, nine feet long, and the largest individuals weigh 

 six thousand pounds. Its horn is two to three feet in 

 length. 



The Genus Hyrax comprises the Damans of Africa and 

 Asia, of the size of a rabbit, and which Cuvier calls rhi- 

 noceroses in miniature without the horn. 



The Genus Hippopotamus is represented by only one 

 species, H. amphibius, Linn., which inhabits the rivers of 

 Africa. The body is massive, legs short, four hoofed toes 

 to each foot, head enormous and terminated by a large 

 inflated muzzle, eyes and ears small, and tail short. It 

 feeds upon aquatic plants. 



The Genus Tapirus is characterized by the nose, which 

 resembles a small, fleshy proboscis, and by four toes to 

 the fore and three to the hind feet. Two species are 

 known. 



