262 



THE INDIAN KHINOCEKOS. 



In every species of Khinoceros the sight appears to be rather imper- 

 fect, the animal being unable to see objects which are exactly in its 

 front. The scent and hearing, however, are very acute, and seem to 

 warn the animal of the approach of danger. 



The Asiatic species of Rhinoceros are remarkable for the heavy folds 

 into which the skin is gathered, and which hang massively over the 

 shoulders, throat, flanks, and hind-quarters. Upon the abdomen the 

 skin is comparatively soft, and can be pierced by a spear which would 

 be harmlessly, repelled from the thick folds of hide upon the upper 



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The Indian Rhinoceros {Rhinoceros unicornis). 



portions of the body. In the Indian Rhinoceros this weight of hide 

 is especially conspicuous, the skin forming great flaps that can easily be 

 lifted up by the hand. In a tamed state the Rhinoceros is pleased to 

 be caressed on the softer skin under the thick hide, and in the wild 

 state it suffers sadly from the parasitic insects that creep beneath the 

 flaps, and lead the poor animal a miserable life, until they are stifled 

 in the muddy compost with which the Rhinoceros loves to envelop its 

 body. The horn of the Indian species is large in width, but inconsid- 

 erable in height, being often scarcely higher than its diameter. Yet 

 with his short heavy weapon the animal can do terrible execution, and 



