NATURALISTS CABINET. 



General description Disposition. 



verest wounds, and so disposed as to be managed 

 with the greatest advantage: for while the ele- 

 phant, the bear, and the buffalo are obliged to 

 strike transversely with their weapons, the rhino- 

 ceros employs all his strength with every blow. 

 The tiger, therefore, notwithstanding its extreme 

 ferocity, seldom ventures to attack this animal; 

 as he cannot do it without danger of having his 

 bowels torn out. 



The body and limbs of the rhinoceros are de- 

 fended by a skin so hard as to be impenetrable 

 by either a knife or spear. This is disposed 

 about the neck into large plaits or folds; a fold 

 of the same kind passes from the shoulders to 

 the fore legs; and another from the hind part of 

 the back to the thighs. It is of a blackish co- 

 lour; naked, rough, and covered with a kind of 

 galls or tubercles. It is said, that even to shoot 

 a full-grown rhinoceros, it is necessary to make 

 use of iron bullets, those of lead having been 

 known to flatten against the skin. Between the 

 folds and under the belly, however, the skin is 

 soft, and of a light rose colour. 



The upper lip in this animal seems to answer 

 in some measure the same purpose as the trunk 

 of the elephant. It protrudes over the lower one 

 in the form of a lengthened tip; and, being very 

 pliable, is used in catching hold of the shoots of 

 vegetables, 8cc. and delivering them into its 

 mouth. 



The disposition of the rhinoceros is generally 

 quietand inoffensive; but when attacked or pro- 



