DEFENSIVE AEMOUE OF QUADEUPEDS. 361 



The monstrous pachydermata or thick-skinned quadrupeds 

 the elephant, the rhinoceros, the hippopotamus are gifted with 

 other means of defence. Relying on his enormous weight, the 

 elephant first strikes down his assailant with his trunk, and 

 then crushes him into a shapeless mass by the pressure of his 

 foot. 



Though naturally of a quiet and inoffensive disposition, the 

 rhinoceros when provoked or attacked charges with great 

 impetuosity, and either tramples 

 his adversary underfoot, or rips 

 him up with his horn, which, 

 though short and blunt, is a 

 most effective weapon. To all 

 these means of preservation may 

 be added an extraordinary acute- 

 ness of smell and hearing, and 

 that remarkably thick skin which 

 furnishes a name to this order. In The Rhinoceros . 



the rhinoceros particularly this 



characteristic is so highly developed that its hide is musketproof, 

 and becomes as effectual for defence as if the animal were en- 

 cased in a coat>of-mail. 



The hippopotamus, on the other hand, although possessed of 

 a very thick skin, is destitute either of proboscis, tusks, or horns. 

 His habits are aquatic, and he retreats into deep water in 

 the moment of danger, and bids defiance to all enemies of the 

 land. To add to his security, his ears, nostrils, and eyes are all 

 on the same plane, on the upper level of the head ; so that the 

 unwieldy monster, when immersed in his favourite element, is 

 able to draw breath, and to use three senses at once for hours 

 together, without exposing more than his snout. 



The rodents, the smallest and the weakest of the quadrupeds, 

 have indeed but feeble arms to oppose to the larger animals of 

 which they are the prey ; yet their caution, agility, and nocturnal 

 habits preserve them from many perils. The hare is probably, for 

 its size, the most defenceless quadruped yet discovered. It has 

 neither tooth nor claw to repel an enemy ; it can neither climb 

 the trees nor burrow in the earth, nor dive into the water nor 

 fly into the air, like the squirrel or the mole, the beaver or the 

 bat ; yet how admirably has Nature provided for its safety ! Its 



