284 ZOOLOGY. 



size of the tusks, development of the external ears, three 

 loose nails on the hinder toes, shorter head, and convex fore- 

 head. The surface of the molar teeth (Fig. 206) when in use 

 presents rhomboidal figures, hy which it may be at once dis- 

 tinguished from the Indian species. The female has tusks 



Fig. 250.* 



nearly as large as the male. It is a more active and ferocious 

 animal than the Asiatic, and is found from Senegal to the 

 Cape of Good Hope. 



[There is abundant evidence in history to show that- the African 

 species of elephant extended at one time from the northern slopes 

 of the Atlas to the Cape of Good Hope. They were employed by 

 the Carthaginians as an instrument of war in their conflicts with 

 the Komans. K. K.] 



Ivory, properly so called, is furnished by the tusks of the 

 elephant, recent and extinct. When cut and polished, it 

 may be recognised by its numerous lozenge-formed curved 

 lines. 



The hippopotami have an enormous body, with very short 

 limbs, four equal toes to each foot (the elephant has five) ; 

 tail of moderate length, nostrils dilated, skin almost hairless. 



* Hemione, or Dziggetai; Equus Hemionus Pall; Native of Indostan 

 and Upper Asia. It has been acclimatized in France. 



