FAMILY RHINOCERID^E ; RHINOCEROS. 327 



is curved and pointed, and arises from a limpet-shaped base ; and 

 it is composed of agglutinated fibres analogous to those of hair, 

 and closely resembling those into which whalebone is so easily 

 separable. In some species, there are two horns, both on the 

 central line of the body ; and the hinder one is situated on the 

 frontal bone. The arch on which the horns rest has need of great 

 strength, not only to sustain its weight, but also to resist the 



FIG. 164. TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS. 



shock occasioned by the violent blows, which the animal gives 

 with this powerful weapon. The skin of the Rhinoceros is thick 

 and coarse, with a knotty surface ; and is destitute, or nearly so, 

 of hairs ; in the common Indian species, it is disposed in large 

 folds, especially on the neck, shoulders, haunches, and thighs. 

 The upper lip is prolonged, and in some species is as prehensile 

 as that of the Tapir. The best known species of Rhinoceros 

 is the one which inhabits India; where it leads a tranquil 

 indolent life, wallowing on the marshy borders of lakes and rivers, 

 and occasionally bathing itself in their waters. Its movements 

 are usually slow ; and it carries its head low, like the Hog, 

 ploughing up the ground with its horn, and making its way by 

 sheer force through the jungle. Owing to the keenness of its 

 smell and hearing, the Rhinoceros cannot be easily attacked ; 

 for on any alarm, it retreats to its covert in the almost impene- 



