THE TAPIR. 



421 



branches of trees and tearing off the leaves, on which it partly 

 feeds. Like the rhinoceros, it delights in water, is a good 

 swimmer and diver, and enjoys wallowing in the mud. 



Though in its wild state its food consists of the shoots of 

 trees, buds, wild fruits, gourds, and melons, when in captivity 



THE TAPIK. 



it is an indiscriminate swallower of everything, filthy or clean. 

 During the day it remains concealed in the deep recesses of the 

 forest, issuing out at night to seek its food. On its front feet 

 are four toes, but there are only three on the hinder their tips 

 cased in small hoofs. The eyes are small and lateral, and the 

 ears long and pointed. The teeth are strong and powerful, to 

 enable it to crush its food, or defend itself against its enemies. 



