THE RHINOCEBOS. 145 



the frontal nasal region is surmounted, in adults, with 

 one or two horns, according to the species. 



They live on vegetables, and their dental system is 

 perfectly suited to this kind of food. Their neck is so 

 short, and so little flexible, that they are much less 

 fond of grass than of browsing the leaves of branches 

 within their reach, which their very mobile and 

 triangular pointed upper lip easily seizes According 

 to Chardin, the Abyssinians tame the rhinoceros, and 

 make him work like an ox. 



It rarely happens that more than four or five are 

 met with at once, and it is pretty well to encounter 

 one. They are hunted on account of their flesh, which 

 is considered a great treat by the savages. 



In Nubia they hunt him on horeseback, the men 

 being entirely naked. 



They throw themselves on him, and irritate without 

 being able to wound him. 



In spite of their dexterity and the agility of their 

 horses they do not always escape the blows of their 

 formidable enemy. The infuriated animal pursues his 

 assailants. Then one of them detaches himself from 

 his companions, and pretends to wait for him. The 

 rhinoceros turns his rage on this one, and abandons 

 the other hunters, who, moving off rapidly, seek a 

 favourable place near somo Large tree, chosen before- 

 hand. 



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