FAMILY EQUID^. 107 



(EXTRA-LIMITAL.) 



Genus Dicotyles, F. Cuvier. Posterior feet with three toes only, the external wanting. Incisors, J ; 



canines, | ; cheek teeth, || = 38. A fetid gland on the lumbar region. Tail obsolete. 

 D. torquatus. (Nuttal, Trav. in Ark. p. 155. Cuvier, Mam. plate.) A whitish band descending 

 obliquely from each shoulder to the sides of the neck. Red river, Arkansas. 



Genus Tapirus, Brisson. The existence of this genus within the limits of the United States, rests upon 

 a single fossil tooth from Bigbone Lick, and described by Dr. Harlan (Fauna, p. 224) imder the 

 name of Tapirus mastodontoides. It has been questioned whether this may not have belonged 

 to a young mastodon, but the comparison instituted by Dr. Harlan (Med. and Phys. Res. p. 265) 

 at Paris, establishes clearly its position in this genus. 



FAMILY III. EQUIDyE. 



A single solid hoof, with hut one apparent toe ; although they have, beneath the skin, two 

 protuberances on each side, representing lateral toes. Although exclusively herbivorous, 

 they have nearly simple stomachs, and do not ruminate. 



Of this family we have no native species, Two have been introduced, 



GENUS EQUUS. Linneus. 



Cutting teeth, |; canines, |, seldom present in the female; molars, -j-l = 40. Tail uni 

 formly covered with long hair. Ears moderate. 



THE B.ORSE,.— (Introduced.) 



EaUUa CABALLUS. 



This noble and useful animal is too well known to require description. Originally from 

 Asia, where the species still exists in a wild state, it has been domesticated from time imme- 

 morial, and has been distributed by man over the globe. On this continent, troops of wild 

 horses, from the domestic stock, are found in immense numbers. They are not uncommon 

 on the extensive plains west of the Mississippi. They were once numerous on the eastern 

 side of the Rocky mountains, near the northern sources of the Columbia river ; but at present, 

 they are said not to be found wild, north of the fifty-third parallel. 



In this State, the Horse was introduced at an early period. Vanderdonck, speaking of the 

 Horses of the Colony of Nieuw- Amsterdam, says, " The horses are of the proper breed for 

 " husbandry, having been brought from Utrecht for that purpose, and this stock has not dimi- 

 " nished in size or quality. There are also horses of the English breed, which are lighter, 

 " not so fit for agricultural purposes, but are well adapted for the saddle. These are not so 



