The Elephant, Tapir, Hyrax, and Rhinoceros 181 



effected in the same time a complete transformation, not only in its general shape, but more 

 especially in its teeth and feet. The gradual steps by which this transformation has been 

 brought about we can trace through certain fossil forms, of which we can say little here. 



Amongst these fossils occur remains of an animal bearing a very strong resemblance to 

 the living tapir, but which, strangely enough, is not really so closely related thereto as to the 

 horses. It does not, however, stand in the direct line of descent of these latter, but must be 

 regarded as representing a collateral branch thereof. The occurrence of this distinct tapir-like 

 animal is of great scientific interest. 



The short, stout legs and spreading toes of the living tapirs, rhinoceroses, and ancestral 

 horse are admirably adapted for plodding deliberately over soft and yielding ground, such as 

 is afforded by reed-beds and banks of rivers, or the shady depths of forests. Speed in such 

 surroundings is not necessary, food in plenty being always at hand, and escape from enemies 

 being sought by concealment in thick herbage rather than flight. With a migration to drier 

 and higher plains, the spreading foot has undergone a change. The short legs and numerous 

 toes have given place to long ones, and of the several toes growth has taken place in one 

 only the third; whilst the others have slowly dwindled, till eventually only traces of the 

 second and fourth remain, as in the modern horse. Thus has a firmer support over hard, 

 unyielding ground been brought about, and great speed gained. The animals with this type 

 of foot (in which the third is the largest toe) are known as the Odd-toed Hoofed Animals. The 

 pigs, sheep, deer, and oxen 

 have gained an equally 

 efficient foot, yet retaining 

 four toes. Of these, the third 

 and fourth are equal in size, 

 and serve as a support to the 

 body, whilst the second and 

 fifth have now become func- 

 tionless, and do not reach the 

 ground. This type of foot 

 characterises that group of 

 the hoofed animals known as 

 the Even-toed. 



THE HYRAX. 



This is one of the most 

 remarkable of living mam- 

 mals, and one of the greatest 

 puzzles to zoologists, having no 

 near living relatives. Though 

 bearing some resemblance to 

 an earless rabbit, it really 

 belongs to the hoofed 

 animals, and amongst them 

 comes perhaps somewhat 

 nearer the rhinoceros than 

 to any other animal. It is 

 the CONEY of the Bible. It 

 inhabits the rocky districts 

 of Syria and parts of Africa. 

 It is a vegetable-feeder, and 

 very wary. About a dozen 

 species are known. 



Photo by G. W. Wilson 



Co., Ltd.} 

 COMMON AMERICAN TAPIR. 



[Aberdeen. 



This tapir inhabits tropical America. It is a nocturnal animal, frequenting the depths 

 of shady forests in the neighbourhood of water, to which it frequently resorts for the purpose of 

 bathing, or as a refuge from pursuit. 



