162 PACHYDERMATA. 



straight ridges, at least, until worn down by attrition; the inci- 

 sors in each jaw are six ; the canines two, separated from the 

 molars by a wide interval ; the nose is elongated into a short 

 flexible trunk ; the feet have four toes before and three behind ; 

 the skin is dense and thinly covered with short, close hair." In 

 its general form and contour, this animal reminds the beholder 

 of a hog; but it is distinguished from the hog by its flexible 

 trunk, which answers partly the same purpose as that of the 

 elephant. (See Chart.) The trunk has not, however, any fin- 

 ger-like appendage like that of the latter animal. The eyes are 

 small and lateral, and the ears long and pointed. 



The AMERICAN TAPIR, T. Americanus, is the largest animal 

 of South America. It is of a deep brown color throughout, 

 approaching to black ; between three and four feet in height, 

 and from five to six in length. The hair is short and very 

 scanty, so that it is scarcely discernible at a short distance. 

 The back of the neck is bristled with a thin mane of stiff black- 

 ish hairs. The inmost recesses of deep forests are the chosen 

 resorts of this species, which is not gregarious, and avoids 

 the society of man. For the most part, it is nocturnal in its 

 habits, sleeping, or remaining quiet during the day, and at 

 night seeking its food, which, in the natural state of the ani- 

 mal, consists of shoots of trees, birds, wild fruits, etc. It is, 

 however, when in confinement, an indiscriminate swallower of 

 every thing, filthy or clean. Its enormous muscular power and 

 the tough, thick hide which defends its body, enable it to tear its 

 way through the underwood in whatever direction it pleases. 

 Its ordinary pace is a sort of trot ; but it sometimes gallops, 

 though awkwardly, and with the head down. It is very fond of 

 the water, and often resorts to it, sometimes remaining below the 

 surface for a considerable time. Its disposition is peace ul and 

 quiet ; it will, however, defend itself vigorously, and inflict se- 

 vere wounds with its teeth, though it never attempts to attack 

 either man or beast, unless hard pressed. The Jaguar often 

 springs upon it, but is frequently dislodged by the activity of the 

 Tapir, who rushes through the bushes as soon as he feels the 

 claws of his enemy, and endeavors to brush him off against the 

 thick branches. In some parts of South America the. Tapir is 

 domesticated. M. Sonnini saw several of them " walking at lib- 

 erty about the streets of Cayenne, whence they were accustomed 

 to stroll into the neighboring woods, returning at night to their 

 home ; nor were they by any means destitute of intelligence, but 

 seemed fond of their masters, whom they not only recognized, 

 but acknowledged by various tokens of attachment." In his 

 opinion, the Tapir might, from its great strength and docility, be 



