PACHYDERM ATA. 491 



chew the cud. This order includes the largest 

 terrestrial mammalia at present in existence. Ex- 

 cept the horse, they are all clumsy in their shape, 

 and have a heavy, indolent gait. They generally 

 live together in herds, and frequent marshy situa- 

 tions, where they find vegetation and roots suited to 

 their wants, and where they can wallow in the mud. 

 Although they resemble each other in the general 

 features of their economy, they are distinguish- 

 able by important particulars, which has rendered 

 it necessary to divide them into the following 

 groups : 



The Proboscidian Pachyderms are furnished with a proboscis; they 

 have five toes on all the feet, but so enclosed in a sort of hoof of 

 callous skin, that their nails only are visible. This family includes 

 but one living genus, namely, 



The Elephants (Elephas], animals of gigantic size, but mild 

 and docile in their disposition. The proboscis of the Elephant is a 



FlG. 418. HEAD OF INDIAN ELEPHANT. 



prolongation of its nostrils ; it consists of a double tube surrounded 

 with muscles variously interlaced, so that it is moveable in every 

 direction, and terminates in a curious appendage resembling a 

 finger. This trunk enables the Elephant to seize hold of every- 

 thing he wishes to convey into his mouth, also to pump up water, 

 and then to pour it into his throat, thus compensating for the 

 shortness of the neck. By means of this wonderful instrument, 

 Elephants can uproot trees, untie knots, open a lock, or even write 

 with a pen. These animals possess a sharp sight ; their hearing is 

 quick, their sense of smell delicate. They are very intelligent, and 



