UNGULATES: OR HOOFED QUADRUPEDS 353 



known horn of the " White " Rhinoceros measures fifty-six and a 

 half inches in length. It is doubtful if the Rhinoceros is as fierce 

 as has been asserted, though it certainly has a hasty temper; 

 its sudden charge is a most extraordinary sight to witness, the great 

 weight and size of the animal giving the impression of an immense 

 and absolutely irresistible moving force. At the same time, it is 

 really a clumsy onrush, for when going full speed ahead the animal 

 cannot make a sudden swerve to right or left, so that provided 

 he keeps his head, and has room for a spring, it is not a difficult 

 matter for the hunter to leap aside and avoid being crushed to 

 death. The poet's advice, 



" If ever you meet a Rhinoceros, 

 Do not linger but nee 

 Up the very next tree," 



is not altogether sound, for unless the tree be a very stout one, 

 the fugitive would stand a chance of being ignominiously shaken 

 out of its branches. Though somewhat short-sighted, the Rhino- 

 ceros has its sense of smell acutely developed, and therefore is 

 a difficult animal to approach. 



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